Summary

Curtis Samuel was selected in Round 2 (#40 Overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Ohio State University. A versatile offensive weapon at the collegiate level, Samuel was a hybrid wide receiver/running back in Ohio State’s offense, totaling 1,636 rushing yards, 771 receiving yards, and 15 total touchdowns, while earning Second-Team All-Big Ten honors and contributing to the Buckeyes’ College Football Playoff championship run (2014). In the NFL, Samuel has played for the Carolina Panthers, Washington Commanders, and Buffalo Bills, carving out a role as a multi-dimensional offensive weapon. Through the 2024 season, he has produced 4,000+ yards from scrimmage, 30+ total touchdowns, and consistent explosive-play metrics as both a receiver and ball carrier. Known for his adaptability, Samuel is widely regarded as a high-character, intelligent, and team-first professional, praised for preparation, durability when healthy, and willingness to embrace creative roles within evolving offensive systems.

Strengths

• Offensive Weapon: Effective as slot receiver, motion player, and backfield weapon. Dangerous in space and creates yardage with vision and quickness.

• Speed & Acceleration: Quick burst stresses defenses horizontally and vertically. Capable of flipping field position with designed touches.

• Route Flexibility: Comfortable running option routes, crossers, and quick-game concepts. Quickly adapts to new systems and assignments.

• Pre-Snap Utility: Motion usage reveals coverage and creates mismatches.

Weaknesses

• Durability History: Has missed time due to soft-tissue injuries.

• Size Limitations: Smaller frame limits margin for error on contested throws. When blocking, effort is present, but size limits effectiveness.

• Press Coverage: Can be disrupted by physical corners when aligned outside.

• Red-Zone Ceiling: More effective creating space than winning in tight areas. Production tied closely to creative usage and play design.

Outlook

Samuel is an excellent fit for Buffalo’s creative, spread-based offense, where his speed and versatility can complement Josh Allen’s arm talent and improvisational style. He thrives in systems that utilize motion, quick-game concepts, jet actions, and matchup-driven touches, forcing defenses to defend the full width of the field. Samuel’s presence helps create space for perimeter weapons while providing the offense with manufactured touches and coverage stressors. Looking ahead, Samuel projects as a high-end complementary receiver and offensive chess piece rather than a traditional volume target. While durability will always be a consideration, his versatility, intelligence, and explosiveness give him a high-impact role when healthy. In Buffalo, Samuel can function as a dynamic multipurpose weapon capable of enhancing offensive flexibility, improving efficiency against zone coverage, and contributing meaningfully in playoff-caliber game plans.