Panthers 2017 NFL Draft Results: Panthers Select WR Curtis Samuel in 2nd Round (#40)

Player Draft Profile

Curtis Samuel Draft Profile – NFL.com

STRENGTHS Has crisp feet for sudden change of direction. Long-strider with deep speed to challenge press coverage over the top. Shows defender an exaggerated jab fake at top of his routes to generate lean from cornerback and create separation out of his break. On comeback routes, can stutter feet into his break for a sudden stop-and-open timing throws. Has explosiveness both vertically and out of his breaks to uncover on all three levels. Can ramp it back up to top gear quickly after tapping his brakes in space. At his best when matched up in open space. Gets faster and more dangerous as the play unfolds. Has two years of kick-return experience. Moveable matchup piece.

WEAKNESSES Plays with some hip tightness that make his play more linear than fluid. Needs to work on release against press. Could get hung up off the line and into his routes by athletic, press-cover slot men. Has unnatural hands that fight the throw. Will default to body catches. Didn't have as many "pro-style" touches as teams would like. Averaged just 5.5 yards at the catch point, and several carries came on jet sweeps and stretch plays from shotgun. Average ball-tracking and adjustments to poor throws. Wasn't asked to handle blocking responsibilities very often.

How the Player Fits in Carolina

Samuel ran a 4.31 at the combine and I’m sure that opened the Panthers eyes. It’s obvious the Panthers offseason analysis determined the Panthers lacked speed on offense once Ted Ginn and Philly Brown left. The Panthers have not only replaced those two but they also provide more versatility. Samuel will line up in the slot or pretty much anywhere on the field. His job will be to stretch the defense at every opportunity, something Cam Newton loves to see.

Gettleman has never been afraid to double dip at a position which is what this is. On paper McCaffrey is a RB and Samuel a WR but really they are two RB/WR combo players.

This draft is deep on the defensive side of the ball so there is still plenty of time to add some talent on D and OT.

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Panthers Top Needs

OT, RB, DE, WR, S, KR/PR

Draft Schedule

Thursday, April 27 – 7:00 p.m. CT (Round 1 – 10 Minutes Per Pick)

Friday, April 28 – 6 p.m. CT (Round 2 – 7 Minutes, Round 3 – 5 Minutes Per Pick)

Saturday, April 29 – 11 a.m. CT (Rounds 4-6 – 5 Minutes Per Pick, Round 7 - 4 Minutes Per Pick)

NFL Network and ESPN/ESPN2 will televise the draft.

We will have more analysis to come.