Falcons Showing Strong Interest In ‘Cordarrelle Patterson Clone’ Raheem Blackshear

Deebo Samuel is on the buying and selling block, and a number of groups will discover a commerce for the San Francisco 49ers’ disgruntled star. What makes Samuel the most recent fascinating commodity is his skill to play as a workforce’s No. 1 receiver whereas additionally offering a lift within the run sport. 

Just one workforce could have sufficient property to accumulate Samuel’s providers. However groups within the operating that can miss out on an opportunity to land the first-team All-Professional honoree could have an opportunity at a contingency plan through the 2022 NFL Draft.

One participant who can fill the will for Samuel is operating again Raheem Blackshear from Virginia Tech College. Blackshear is getting into the draft as arguably one of the best hybrid participant of his class.

He rushed for 1,912 yards and 14 touchdowns on the bottom in faculty whereas catching 123 balls for 1,213 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. Analysts have compared Blackshear to Samuel on a number of events — which has drawn the curiosity of many groups across the league. 

“I really feel like I create issues all around the area for defensive matchups,” Blackshear stated through the newest installment of Locked On Texans. “I may play inside and outside receiver. As a operating again who can movement to a slot receiver, it is form of complicated for defenses. I can play all around the area.”

A supply informed Falcon Report that the Atlanta Falcons have a powerful curiosity in drafting Blackshear. Atlanta envisions Blackshear enjoying the same position to Cordarrelle Patterson — who will doubtless be on the transfer on the finish of his two-year contract after the 2023 marketing campaign. 

However whereas Patterson, 31, retains his position because the Falcons’ hybrid offensive weapon in 2022, Blackshear may assist Atlanta maintain their enhancements on particular groups from the earlier season.     

Blackshear returned 37 kicks for 713 yards throughout his five-year collegiate profession. His greatest season as a kick returner happened throughout his freshman season at Rutgers College, the place he registered 334 yards on 20 kick returns.

“You’re getting a participant who’s going to return in daily to work,” Blackshear stated. “As a flexible participant, why go get a operating again and a receiver individually when you may have a participant who can do all of it. Come and get somebody who can do all the things that you just want. Additionally, with particular groups — it is like you’re getting a 3 for one deal.”

Blackshear performed three seasons at Rutgers earlier than transferring to Virginia Tech in 2020. Popping out of highschool as a three-star recruit, Blackshear initially dedicated to Michigan State earlier than deciding to start his collegiate profession at Rutgers to be nearer to his household in Philadelphia. 

Blackshear is a projected sixth to seventh spherical prospect getting into the draft. The Falcons have two choices within the ultimate two rounds at choose No. 190 and No. 213. Different groups who’re concentrating on Blackshear’s providers earlier than the draft are the Payments, Browns, Buccaneers, Dolphins, Panthers, Raiders and Saints.