Deebo Samuel tied for the fastest speed reached by any ballcarrier Week 1

According to NFL’s Next Generation Stats, San Francisco 49ers second-round wide receiver Deebo Samuel was the fastest player to carry the ball during the first week of the preseason. He tied with Cleveland Browns WR Damon Sheehy-Guiseppi, who had an 86-yard punt return for a touchdown.

Samuel had a reverse that went for 14 yards and finished with two catches for 61 yards. What that tells me is that Samuel gets to top speed in a hurry. I think it was on Samuel’s lone carry where he reached 21.1 mph.

It looks like Samuel is gliding, but he effortlessly accelerates past defenders. He only had four targets Week 1. I’d say we all wouldn’t mind seeing that number double. Get the ball in his hands and let him do the work.

There have been plenty of Golden Tate references for Samuel, and that would be a great thing for the Niners if he produced even at 70% of Tate’s production. Reverses, quick throws, and shot plays down the field will only make Jimmy Garoppolo’s life easier. Deebo also has the toughness and physicality, like Tate, to be productive over the middle. His speed is the cherry on the top of all the other physical gifts Samuel has.

Robert Saleh said the second-fastest on the team Saturday was, surprisingly, Adrian Colbert.