San Francisco 49ers: Rookie WRs Jalen Hurd, Deebo Samuel important
The San Francisco 49ers need big-time performances out of rookie receivers Jalen Hurd and Deebo Samuel in 2019.
If quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo can stay healthy, the San Francisco 49ers will likely be a much more productive offensive unit. Last season, with backup Nick Mullens taking most of the snaps under center, the 49ers ranked 21st with 21.4 points scored per game. They weren’t terrible on offense last season, but they expect to be better.
With Garoppolo back and healthy, the 49ers are set up to have more success. That being said, they will need immediate contributions out of some young players. In particular, the San Francisco 49ers are going to be counting on rookie wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Jalen Hurd to come in and make an impact right away.
The 49ers took Samuel in the second round and Hurd in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Samuel enters the league as an NFL-ready route runner who knows how to get open and can win with a combination of quickness and toughness. Hurd is a converted running back who is a bit more of a project, but his combination of size, speed and athleticism are incredibly exciting.
Samuel is probably best suited as a slot receiver in the NFL. That being said, he can also win and make an impact on the outside. Hurd has the size to play outside, but may also be best suited to play out of the slot. Head coach Kyle Shanahan is not going to limit himself with either player. Both Samuel and Hurd have exciting skill-sets and Shanahan is going to use them to their full potential.
With slot receiver Trent Taylor sidelined with a foot injury, there will be an opportunity for these rookie receivers to step up and make an immediate impact. Hurd did just that in the 49ers’ first preseason game, scoring two touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys. If he can continue to perform at a high-level on the field, the 49ers will find a way to get him on the field.
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Veteran Marquise Goodwin and second-year player Dante Pettis will certainly play a heavy role in the wide receiver rotation. That being said, both Samuel and Hurd will be counted on as primary depth players. If either player shines throughout the preseason, a spot in the starting lineup is not out of the question.