San Francisco 49ers: Deebo Samuel emerging as a star

Deebo Samuel recorded a 100-yard game for the second straight week, with the rookie wide receiver emerging as a star for the San Francisco 49ers.

The San Francisco 49ers secured their first winning season since 2013 on Sunday, and it is unlikely they would have done so without a stunning performance from Deebo Samuel.

With George Kittle out with knee and ankle issues and Emmanuel Sanders severely hindered by a rib cartilage injury, Samuel has become one of the top targets in the 49ers passing game and has taken advantage of his opportunities in spectacular fashion.

In a thrilling 26-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12, Samuel finished with eight catches for 134 yards. He became the first 49ers rookie to record eight catches for over 100 yards in successive games, having caught eight balls for 112 yards in the Week 11 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Samuel was drafted in the second round by the 49ers after demonstrating an ability to create separation with his route-running, win contested catches and pick up significant yardage after the catch during his college career at South Carolina.

All of those skills were on show in his superb performance against Arizona, which was highlighted by a spectacular juggling catch near the sideline for which he paid the price with a shoulder injury.

According to Pro Football Focus, Samuel’s 12 missed tackles this year forced leads all wide receivers, while his 7.2 yards per reception after the catch is the best among all receivers with at least 25 catches.

He will still likely be behind Kittle and Sanders in the pecking order for targets when both are healthy, while a return to form for the Niners’ running game would also limit future chances for Samuel.

However, Samuel has proven he can be relied upon to come through in important games and, as the Niners look towards a season-defining stretch run and a prospective playoff campaign, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo can afford to have faith in a rookie who has all the tools to blossom into a star in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.