NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Curtis Samuel, RB/WR, Ohio State University

NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Curtis Samuel, RB/WR, Ohio State University

Jack-of-all-trades but master of none:

By: Chris Gragnani

SUMMARY: Samuel declCurared for the draft after a strong junior campaign. The junior was successful is all aspects of the game racking up 1,636 all-purpose yards. Rushing for 771 yards of 97 attempts (8.0 ypc) and caught 74 passes for 865 yards. Finished the season with 15 total touchdowns (8 rushing, 7 receiving).

Pros:

• At his best when he has the ball in his hands in space
• Big play threat from whatever position RB/WR
• Great start stop speed
• Slams on breaks and gets back to top speed with no problem
• Good vision and cutback ability to find room to operate
• 2^nd gear speed
• First step quickness
• Has experience in return game
• YAC ability

Cons:

• Not a defined position
• Struggles with releases against press
• He uses his body a lot to catch the ball. Sometimes catching does not look natural
• Most of touches are stretch/jet sweeps (meaning not a lot of pro style looks)
• Question his 50/50 ball potential
• Avoids contact

NFL COMPARISON: Ty Montgomery/Tavon Austin

At the end of the day: Even though we aren’t sure how teams are going to use Samuel we know that the ball needs to be in his hands. He’s capable of scoring every time he touches the ball. Samuels cutting ability and vision makes him capable of exploding through holes resulting in chunks of yards.

I can see him coming out of the backfield being a mismatch nightmare running with linebackers. Line him up at WR his speed alone can beat a corner. Needs to find the right scheme to be successful in the NFL.

Mid 2^nd Round