Deebo Samuel – WR (South Carolina)
When it comes to route running in the NFL, the Vikings have two of the best in Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. Samuel would fit in nicely with Minnesota’s receiving duo that enjoys getting open for passes by breaking the ankles of their opposing defenders.
Even though he is a little bit on the small side at 5-foot-11, the former South Carolina receiver has the ability to line up on the outside or in the slot. Samuel can fly past his coverage on a deep route or he can create a ton of separation with his quickness to get open on a short or moderate route.
Thanks to him being a little thicker than the average wide receiver (214 pounds), he has no trouble breaking tackles to gain extra yards after the catch. Vikings fans will likely start to have flashbacks of Percy Harvin if Samuel ends up in a purple uniform next season.
In addition to his abilities as a receiver, he also has great value as a return man. Samuel didn’t return a ton of punts at South Carolina, but he did spend a good amount of time returning kicks and it resulted in him taking four of them the other way for a touchdown.
Conveniently, Minnesota is currently in need of a kick returner and a third receiver to compliment Diggs and Thielen. Samuel would fill both of these needs and he would definitely make each week out on the field a lot easier for Kirk Cousins.