Curtis Samuel (WR, CAR) - Fantasy Football Draft Values

BALLER MOVE: Target Around ~85 Overall

Current ADP: ~100

Curtis Samuel has been the subject of a surging stream of expectations during recent weeks. The topics have included his improved route-running, his favorable foot speed, and his unchallenged explosiveness. The enthusiasm escalated after his training camp performances, as he demonstrated his ability to blaze beyond defenders as a downfield weapon, while proficiently executing shorter routes through the middle.

Samuel’s collection of enticing attributes can result in a succession of big plays, and a significant increase in his overall production. This has placed the 23-year-old on the threshold of a breakout season while presenting potential owners with exceptional value at his current ADP.

Unwanted health issues (back/ankle) limited him to seven games and just 115 yards during his 2017 rookie season and relegated him to spectator status from Weeks 1-3 last season (irregular heartbeat). Once he finally emerged on the field, Samuels’ usage and production were equally microscopic. He averaged a 26% snap count from Weeks 4-11, which was reflected in his virtually undetectable averages of 2.7 targets and 20.6 yards-per-game during his first six matchups.

But the proliferation of his role resulted in an expanded snap count from Weeks 12-16 (90%). That coincided with a 21% count for Devin Funchess during that sequence and created a surge in Samuel’s targets (8-per-game-Weeks 13-17). His output also improved sizably during that span (4.5 receptions/60 yards-per-game), while he also led the Panthers in yardage during their matchups in Weeks 13 and 14 (88/80).

Despite the limited stage of a 47-touch season, Samuel still managed to generate seven touchdowns. He also collected all nine of his red zone targets during Weeks 9-17, and a healthy percentage of the 79 targets that Funchess captured in 2018 now awaits him. D.J. Moore is also primed to accrue outstanding numbers this season, and there has been escalating conjecture regarding the prospects of both Panther receivers. This includes comparisons regarding which player is most likely to deliver the most productive year. The belief from here is that Samuel and Moore can both achieve breakout status, with Samuel supplying exceptional value as your draft reaches Round 7