49ers' Trent Williams gets real on Deebo Samuel's YAC ability

San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams explains why Deebo Samuel is so good after getting yards after the catch

Since entering the NFL in 2019, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel has been a leading receiver in yards after the catch.

Deebo epitomized that ability Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles when he scored two touchdowns with the majority of his yardage coming after the catch. Samuel had two 40+ yard touchdowns in the second half, which sealed the win for the 49ers. On these scores, a combined 91 yards came after the catch. In total, Samuel had four receptions for 116 yards and two touchdowns for an average of 29 yards per catch. He also had three carries for 22 yards and a rushing touchdown.

Deebo Samuel gained a career-high +88 YAC over expected in Week 13, the 5th-most YACOE in a game since 2018.

Samuel has now gained the 2nd-most YACOE (+174) this season and the most YACOE (+949) since entering the NFL in 2019.#SFvsPHI | #FTTB pic.twitter.com/LQWdGHjscj

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) December 4, 2023

Deebo Samuel had a 0.1% chance of scoring when he caught the ball on his 48-yard TD.

🔹 Yards After Catch: 43
🔹 Expected YAC: 2
🔹 YAC Over Expected: +41

Samuel has gained a league-high +909 YACOE since entering the NFL in 2019.#SFvsPHI | #FTTB pic.twitter.com/RicIt4MKOV

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) December 3, 2023

After the game, 49ers left tackle Trent Williams revealed what makes Samuel go good at accumulating all these yards after he catches the ball.

“Cornerbacks and safeties aren't very excited to tackle [Deebo],” Williams said. “Once he gets a full head of steam, he don't have to bring a lot of finesse to the party,” via The Athletic's David Lombardi.

At 6-feet tall and 215 lbs., Deebo is a receiver in a running back's body. He is one of the toughest receivers over the middle, which makes him a nightmare for defensive backs to tackle. Even worse for defenders, he also has the speed to escape and break free like he did against the Eagles.

Samuel now has 2,502 career yards after the catch while averaging 9.78 yards after the catch. He may not always get the most receptions or opportunities on a crowded offense, but his ability to get YAC allows him to make the most of the targets that do come his way.