There is something about the cornerback position that just seems…teachable? For whatever reason, the 2021 NFL Draft is just bursting with genetic talent at the cornerback position, and Asante Samuel Jr. continued that trend, selected 47th overall by the Los Angeles Chargers.

He is the third son of an NFL player selected this year, and all three are cornerbacks. Weirdly enough, all three of their fathers were also cornerbacks, or made their living against cornerbacks! Patrick Surtain and Asante Samuel (both seniors), played the cornerback position, and Jaycee Horn's father Joe played wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints.

As for Asante Samuel Jr., he is the clear leader and best player coming from FSU to this year's draft. Despite his size (5'10, 184 lbs), Samuel has all the attitude to make up for the physical gifts he'll be giving up to NFL-caliber receivers. A First-Team All-ACC nod and stellar Pro Day has improved his draft stock, and there are those that were projecting him to go as early as the first round, especially given his status as the consensus fourth best cornerback overall on the draft board.

Initially recruited by Willie Taggart in 2018 (Jimbo Fisher was the ‘Noles head coach at the time), Samuel was apparently tempted partway though his college career to jump ship to the University of Miami before Taggart convinced him to stay.

That move ended up being a brilliant one for Taggart, as Samuel not only brings plenty of grit to the table, but a lot of technique and computing space as the son of an NFL legend. He'll be pushed around a bit, and expected to be called for getting handsy during his first few games, but don't expect that to last.