Deebo Samuel should have big season after 49ers drafted Brandon Aiyuk

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Deebo Samuel already looks like a second-round steal for the 49ers after a promising rookie year. But that wasn't the case right away. 

Through his first seven games last season, Samuel only had 22 receptions for 227 yards. He was averaging just 32.4 receiving yards per game. 

And then, the former South Carolina receiver went off against the Seattle Seahawks in a Week 10 loss. Samuel had eight receptions for 112 yards. Over his final eight regular-season games, Samuel had 35 receptions for 575 yards and two touchdowns. His averages went up to 71.9 receiving yards per game. 

Samuel also had nine carries for 122 yards and two touchdowns, maximizing his playmaking ability. 

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It's no surprise that Samuel upped his game once the 49ers acquired Emmanuel Sanders. But the veteran receiver no longer is with San Francisco after signing with the New Orleans Saints in the offseason. Samuel needs a running mate, and the 49ers gave him one in trading up for ASU's Brandon Aiyuk in the 2020 NFL Draft. 

Aiyuk does many of the things that Samuel brings to the table, and is built like him as well. He should be a contributor from Day 1 for coach Kyle Shanahan, and should only free up Deebo. 

Over his two years at Arizona State, Aiyuk only carried the ball once. But it's easy to see him be a part of Shanahan's motion-heavy offense, especially with his background as a successful returner on punts and kicks. The first-round pick should find ways to attract a defense and keep some attention off Samuel. 

Aiyuk's ability to burn cornerbacks deep or take a quick screen to the house certainly helps keep eyes off Samuel as the 49ers' No. 1 receiver. Both receivers are YAC (yards after catch) kings that put fear into the hearts of defensive coordinators.

Bleacher Report's Maurice Morton predicts Samuel will have 84 receptions for 1,179 yards and eight touchdowns. That certainly would be a big jump after he had 57 receptions, 802 yards and three touchdowns last season. For reference, tight end George Kittle led the 49ers with 1,053 receiving yards in 2019. 

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Kittle still will be the 49ers' top option for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, but Samuel might be their most versatile playmaker. That should only continue in Year 2 as well.

With a year of Shanahan's complex offense under his belt, and only growing chemistry with his QB, expect Samuel to shine as more of a star in his sophomore season.

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