Why Deebo Samuel and DK Metcalf Almost Joined Forces on the Seahawks
Pro Bowl wide receivers Deebo Samuel and DK Metcalf nearly joined the same team after the 2019 NFL draft. The Seattle Seahawks planned to draft both players in the second round.
During the first round, the Seahawks traded pick No. 30 to the New York Giants for picks Nos. 37, 132, and 142, aiming to draft Samuel at No. 35. Before finalizing their trade to move up to No. 35, the Seattle Seahawks learned that the Las Vegas Raiders had sent the 35th pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars selected offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor. The Seahawks still do not know why the Raiders changed their plan.
The San Francisco 49ers drafted Samuel at No. 36. Unable to get Samuel, the Seahawks traded down from No. 37 to No. 47 and picked Utah safety Marquise Blair. Later, the Seahawks traded up again to the last pick in the second round, No. 64, and selected Metcalf.
What were the key factors that led the Seahawks to target both Deebo Samuel and DK Metcalf during the 2019 NFL Draft?
Interview with NFL Draft Specialist Mike Thompson: Exploring the Near Miss of Deebo Samuel and DK Metcalf on the Same Team
In a stunning turn of events during the 2019 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks very nearly added both Pro Bowl wide receivers Deebo Samuel and DK Metcalf to their roster. We sat down with NFL draft specialist Mike Thompson to unpack this intriguing narrative and its implications for the teams involved.
News Directory 3: Mike, can you walk us through the timeline of the Seahawks’ draft strategy during the 2019 draft? What were they hoping to achieve by targeting both Samuel and Metcalf?
Mike Thompson: Absolutely. The Seahawks were in a unique position after trading the 30th pick to the New York Giants. They were eyeing Deebo Samuel at the 35th pick, believing he could be a game-changing WR for them. They had a clear plan but were unaware that the Las Vegas Raiders had other ideas in mind. When the Raiders unexpectedly sent the 35th pick to the Jaguars, Seattle had to pivot quickly.
News Directory 3: So, what was their backup plan after realizing Samuel was off the table?
Mike Thompson: Once they saw Samuel go to the 49ers at No. 36, the Seahawks decided to trade down from No. 37 to No. 47. They chose safety Marquise Blair, which is indicative of Seattle’s focus on bolstering their defense that year. And then, they solidified their WR need by trading back up to pick Metcalf at No. 64. It shows the flexibility they had in their strategy.
News Directory 3: In hindsight, do you think the Seahawks missed a major opportunity by not securing both players?
Mike Thompson: It’s definitely a ’what if’ scenario that NFL fans love to talk about. Having both Samuel and Metcalf on the same team could have created one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the league. Each player brings unique talents, and their chemistry on the field together might have propelled the Seahawks’ offense to new heights. However, Seattle still made a strong choice with Metcalf, who has proven to be an impact player for them.
News Directory 3: Fast forwarding to their current situations, how do you view Deebo Samuel’s recent sideline incident versus DK Metcalf’s injury challenges this season?
Mike Thompson: Both players have had their share of obstacles this season. Samuel’s sideline incident might have served as a wake-up call — a reminder of the importance of maintaining composure and teamwork, especially in high-stress moments. Meanwhile, Metcalf dealing with a knee injury shows the physical toll of the game. Their resilience is remarkable, and getting back on the field this Sunday will be crucial for both, especially as they look to contribute to their teams in this competitive NFC West division.
News Directory 3: Looking ahead, how do you see their matchup this Sunday influencing their respective seasons?
Mike Thompson: This matchup is pivotal. For Samuel, it’s an opportunity to rebound from that emotional moment and focus on his role. For Metcalf, it’s about proving he can bounce back from injury and elevate his game. Whichever player performs best could not only shift the momentum for their team but could also reinforce their status as elite wide receivers in the league. It’s going to be fascinating to watch.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Mike, for your insights on this compelling draft story and its ongoing narrative in the NFL!
Mike Thompson: My pleasure! I’m looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds on the field.
Both receivers will face off this Sunday after overcoming recent challenges. Samuel had a sideline incident after a game where he yelled at kicker Jake Moody and then stopped himself from escalating the situation. This upcoming game will be his first since that event. Samuel has 468 yards from 29 catches this season.
Metcalf, who missed the last two games due to a knee injury, returned to practice last week. He is expected to play on Sunday. Metcalf has 35 receptions for 568 yards and three touchdowns this season.