Stanford Samuels Overview
Position: Cornerback
Height: 6’-1”
Weight: 187 pounds
School: Florida State
NFL Combine Performance Data
40 Yard Dash: 4.65 seconds
10 Yard Split: 1.56 seconds
Stanford Samuels 2020 NFL Draft Profile
After three seasons at Florida State, cornerback Stanford Samuels opted to skip his final year of eligibility and declare for the 2020 NFL Draft. The 6’-1”, 187-pound cornerback enters the NFL on the heels of his best season yet. As a junior, Samuels played in 851 snaps, allowing 41 receptions on 81 targets for 560 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions, and a 71.0 passer rating.
Samuels initially joined the collegiate football ranks as a four-star recruit. After receiving over 40 offers, the Florida native decided to stay in his home state and join the Seminoles. Samuels spent his freshman season as a rotational player, allowing 26 receptions on 40 targets for 307 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions on 409 defensive snaps. He earned a full-time starting role in 2018 and ended up allowing 45 receptions on 72 targets for 607 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Strengths
- Not afraid to play tough and get in a receivers face;
- Made improvements in technique, footwork in 2019;
- Good ball skills;
- Aggressive in run support and a solid tackler;
- Able to read the quarterback and identify where the ball is going to go.
Weaknesses
- Well below-average speed – won’t be able to keep up with NFL receivers;
- Might have to transition to safety and learn a new position from scratch;
- Physical style of play could draw flags at the next level;
- Doesn’t have traditional frame to hold up against the run;
- Struggles to find the most efficient way to get through traffic and attack the ball carrier.
NFL Comparison: Harlan Miller
Teams With Need at Position: Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins
Projection: Round 7/Priority Free Agent
Bottom Line on Stanford Samuels
Stanford Samuels is a good college player that doesn’t have a true position in the NFL. From an athletic standpoint, he was good enough to hold his own against collegiate-level athletes. Samuels is at his best in press coverage, as he rarely gets overwhelmed by larger receivers. Additionally, he has a good nose for the football and can be effective in shallow zones thanks to his ability to read the eyes of the quarterback. However, he simply doesn’t have the speed to last as a cornerback in the NFL. His 4.65 40-yard dash tested in the 7th percentile of cornerbacks, and his film suggests that time is an accurate reflection of his ability. Because of this, Samuels is probably going to have to transition to safety at the next level.
Samuels has a few traits to suggest he can successfully transition to safety, but it’s still a longshot. He definitely has the aggressive mindset to play the run, although his relatively undersized frame suggests he might not last in the box. He’ll need to add on some muscle to deal with the run and to cover tight ends in press. Needless to say, tight ends are typically stronger than wide receivers, and you’ll need more muscle to jam them on the line. Ultimately, Samuels is an NFL longshot that will probably need to make the roster as a special teams player, at least in the short-term.
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