Curtis Samuel

Curtis Samuel Player Profile

Summary

Curtis Samuel was drafted in the 2017 NFL Draft, Round 2, (pick 40) out of Ohio State. Samuel is a dynamic, multi-dimensional offensive weapon whose value lies in his speed, versatility, and ability to make plays in space. He’s not just a textbook outside wide-receiver but a hybrid playmaker who can be deployed in various alignments and schemes. When used creatively, he can stretch defenses vertically, threaten on screens, run after the catch, and create mismatches.

However, he does not check every box of the prototypical outside WR who dominates at the line of scrimmage, beats press consistently, and racks up 1,500+ yards. His weaknesses in size, separation consistency, and sometimes route-refinement mean his role tends to tilt toward complementary rather than foundational. When healthy and in the right scheme, he brings strong value; but the “every-down WR1” label is still somewhat aspirational.

Strengths

  • Explosive Speed & Big-Play Potential: Samuel’s ability to accelerate quickly and threaten deep or in space is a major asset. As one draft report put it: “fast, explosive play-maker … second-gear speed” for doing damage in open field.

  • Versatility in Usage: He offers a tool-belt of roles — he can line up outside, in the slot, take hand-offs, run screens, and create mismatches. FFToday

  • Good After-Catch & Change-of-Direction Ability: He can make things happen once he gets the ball in his hands — whether via screens, short passes, or space work. PFF

  • Reliable Hands and Routes in Space: While not flawless, Samuel has shown the ability to make catches in traffic, adjust his body mid-air, and run effective shorter/ intermediate routes.

Weaknesses

  • Lack of Elite Separation & Size for Outside WR Role: Some early scouting flagged his height/length (5′11″, sub-ideal reach) and questioned whether he could consistently win 50-50 balls or separate from top outside corners.

  • Route Refinement & Release Consistency: Although good, his route-running and release off the line are not always elite compared to top wide receivers; he sometimes relies more on speed than detailed technique. PFF

  • Injury and Usage Fluctuations: Over his career he’s had some injuries and his role has shifted; consistency of target volume and production has varied. Buffalo Rumblings

  • Ceiling as Traditional WR1: Given his strengths and limitations, some analysts view him more as a high-quality complementary weapon rather than a full-time, dominate-the-possession wideout. PFSN

Fit & Outlook

Samuel fits best in an offense that includes multiple weapons, uses motion, utilizes him from various alignments (slot, outside, backfield), and emphasizes getting the ball in his hands quickly with space to operate. For the Buffalo Bills, his signing reflects their desire for more speed, RAC ability and scheme flexibility alongside their top receivers. Buffalo Bills

  • Short-Term: Expect Samuel to compete for ample snaps and to be used in creative ways—jet motion, slot alignments, screen plays, and occasional deep shots. His role may not be the top receiver, but he can be a high-impact complement.

  • Medium-Term: If he stays healthy and the offense consistently uses him in space, he could push into high-end WR2 or even low WR1 territory in favorable matchups.

  • Risks: Injuries, target competition, and limited production in some seasons temper his upside. If the offense doesn’t emphasize his strengths, his impact could plateau.

  • Ceiling: A dangerous weapon capable of big plays, though perhaps not a full-time dominant #1 receiver in all facets.

  • Floor: Valuable depth receiver/slot-threat who contributes in multiple ways but not a primary focal point.