3 First-Round Receivers Who Could Replace Deebo Samuel

The San Francisco 49ers appear determined to hold on to Deebo Samuel, but it’s fair to assume they have probably drawn up contingency plans for the 2022 NFL Draft should they decide to grant the All-Pro wide receiver’s trade request.

Speaking at his pre-draft press conference on Monday, general manager John Lynch — per ProFootballTalk — said he “can’t ever imagine wanting to move on from Deebo”, expressing confidence the two sides could work out their issues.

The seemingly unlikely event of the Niners budging from that stance would have to happen before the draft. San Francisco would almost certainly want 2022 draft assets to give them the chance to further build the roster around Trey Lance and, critically, fill the void left by Samuel.

There is, of course, no guarantee a rookie receiver will be able to immediately have the desired impact despite the significant success highly drafted wideouts have enjoyed in recent years.

Additionally, it would be extremely difficult for a first-year player to come in and fulfil the variety of roles Samuel plays for the Niners. However, if the 49ers do give in to Samuel’s demands and receive a 2022 first in return, then they will not lack for options in the draft to take his place on the offense.

But which of the receivers seen as potential first-rounders would be the best fits for the Niners?

Drake London – USC
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London has often been connected to the New York Jets, who — as well as the fourth overall pick – own the 10th selection in this draft, one that Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network reported they are willing to part with to secure the services of Samuel.

It is debatable whether the Niners would view London as being worthy of the 10th pick were they to acquire it. He may be a more realistic target if they do a deal with the Jets and then trade down, but there is no doubt London could be a significant asset to Lance and the Niner offense in his rookie year.

At 6ft 3in and 219 pounds with 33-inch arms, London would offer Lance a ball-winner with the catch radius to haul in off-target throws, making him an ideal fit with a cannon-armed quarterback taking over the starting role who is likely to be significantly more aggressive than his predecessor.

An impressively fluid route-runner for his size, London also possesses yards after catch upside with his ability to both break and evade tackles. According to Pro Football Focus, no collegiate receiver forced more missed tackles between 2019 and 2021 than London (49).

Having averaged 13.5 yards per reception and scored 15 touchdowns for USC, London has the skill set to be a big-play threat in the pros, even if his playing style is a significant departure from that of the Niners’ current top receiver.

Treylon Burks – Arkansas

Comparisons between Burks and Samuel have been made consistently throughout the pre-draft process because Arkansas used Burks in an extremely similar way to how the Niners have deployed Samuel in the pros.

Burks was a frequent recipient of screen passes and designed hand-offs during his time with the Razorbacks. However, at 6ft 2in and 225 pounds, Burks unsurprisingly does not possess the same explosiveness as Samuel when he gets the ball in his hands.

Yet he plays faster than his 4.55 40-yard dash would suggest and averaged eight yards a carry in his final season at Arkansas. Able to rely on both his physicality and his route-running to get open, Burks would offer a downfield element to San Francisco’s passing game, tracking the ball superbly on deep targets and averaging 16.4 yards per reception in his career in college.

It is unlikely the Niners would be able to lean on Burks in the run game to the same extent as they have done with Samuel, but his versatility would at least give San Francisco the chance to keep defenses guessing by incorporating him into the rushing attack while providing Lance a big-bodied target who can make plays at all levels of the field.

Chris Olave – Ohio State

Olave has a strong case for being considered the best all-round receiver in the draft, with the former Buckeye wideout possessing a range of traits that should appeal greatly to 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.

Though not used regularly out of the backfield during his time at Ohio State, Olave could be utilized in such a manner because of his speed, which he pairs with well-refined route-running ability.

Olave excels at using his foot quickness to create separation early in the route and has demonstrated the ball-tracking ability and body control to adjust to the flight of the ball and make difficult catches close to the sideline.

The speed at receiver to create explosive plays downfield in a more traditional manner is something the 49ers have lacked for some time. Olave would address that need and give San Francisco a wideout with the polish to suggest he could swiftly become a pivotal part of the Niner offense.

A lack of elusiveness after the catch may give Shanahan some pause about adding Olave to the receiving corps, but his strengths in other areas are such that he would have to be in consideration in a post-Deebo world for San Francisco.