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Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Jaylen Samuels (North Carolina St.) - 2018 NFL Draft Pick #165 by PIT

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Jaylen Samuels (2018 NFL Draft)

College: North Carolina State University
Position: Running Back / H-Back / Tight End

Overview:

Jaylen Samuels was a versatile offensive weapon at NC State, showcasing his ability to contribute in multiple roles. His unique skill set made him an intriguing prospect heading into the 2018 NFL Draft.

Strengths:

  • Versatility: Samuels played various positions including running back, H-back, and tight end, allowing him to be utilized in different offensive schemes.
  • Receiving Ability: He demonstrated strong hands and route-running skills, making him a reliable target in the passing game.
  • Football IQ: Samuels showed a good understanding of the game, able to read defenses and adjust his routes accordingly.
  • Physicality: Despite his size, he was not afraid to lower his shoulder and engage defenders, showing toughness in short-yardage situations.
  • Elusiveness: He possessed good agility and vision, making him dangerous in open space with the ability to evade tacklers.

Weaknesses:

  • Size: Standing at 6'0" and weighing around 225 pounds, some scouts questioned whether he could handle a full workload as a traditional running back.
  • Blocking: While he was serviceable in pass protection, he lacked the technique and physicality expected from a full-time back or tight end in blocking schemes.
  • Inconsistency: At times, Samuels struggled to maintain consistency in his performance, which raised concerns about his ability to contribute on every down.

Draft Projection:

Jaylen Samuels was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft. His versatility and offensive potential made him a valuable asset for teams looking to add depth and creativity to their offensive schemes.

Conclusion:

Jaylen Samuels' unique skill set and versatility made him a compelling prospect. While questions about his size and blocking skills persisted, his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game left teams intrigued as they prepared for the draft.