4 years agoCurtis Samuel entered 2020 with career averages of 5.2 targets, 2.8 receptions, and 32.5 yards per game. Yet, he delivered the most prolific season of his four-year career, as Carolina head coach Matt Rhule and offensive coordinator Joe Brady designed a highly effective plan for maximizing his unique assortment of skills. This propelled Samuel to new career highs in receptions (77/5.1 per game), receiving yards (851/56.7 per game), and first downs (39), while he also averaged 6.5 targets per game. Samuel's expanded output vaulted him to 14th in scoring from Weeks 9-17, as he finished 17th overall in receiving yards (589/73.6 per game) and 22nd in targets (63/7.9 per game) during that sequence. His statistical surge was largely fueled by Brady's ability to capitalize on Samuel's versatility, which included increased deployment from the slot (65.7%). Samuel's aDOT (average depth of target) dropped to 7.3, which was exactly half of his average during 2019 (14.6). His percentage share of air yards also decreased from 29.8% (2019) to 18.9%. However, his catch rate (79.4%) was nearly 20% above his previous career-high (60.0%), while increased usage as a runner propelled him to career-highs in attempts (41), and rushing yardage (200). Samuel joined a restructured Football Team passing attack that will be spearheaded by Ryan Fitzpatrick, while also reuniting Samuel with offensive coordinator Scott Turner - who served as Carolina's interim coordinator (four games) in 2019. Samuel should operate as the Football Team's WR2 behind Terry McLaurin and can function as a strong WR3 for fantasy managers. However, that will require Turner to implement elements of Brady's approach that ignited Samuel's production in 2020. It is unclear whether Turner can match Brady's acumen in maximizing Samuel's abilities, which should compel managers to wait until at least round nine before selecting him in current drafts.--Phil Clark - RotoBaller