The Seattle Seahawks came close to drafting both Deebo Samuel and DK Metcalf in the 2019 NFL Draft, a move that could have dramatically altered the NFC West landscape.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Seattle had a plan to secure the two Pro Bowl receivers in the second round, but a last-minute trade decision by another team derailed their hopes.
Seattle entered the second round with pick No. 37 after trading No. 30 to the New York Giants in exchange for Nos. 37, 132, and 142. Their strategy was to trade up to No. 35 to draft Samuel, believing they had a deal in place with the Raiders.
NFL NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DK Metcalf, Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers Updates
However, the Raiders traded the pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars instead, who selected offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor. The San Francisco 49ers then grabbed Samuel at No. 36, leaving Seattle without its target.
Pivoting quickly, the Seahawks traded down from No. 37 to No. 47, acquiring an additional pick (No. 77) from the Panthers. With the 47th pick, they selected safety Marquise Blair. Seattle then turned its focus to Metcalf, trading up to the 64th pick by sending third- and fourth-round picks to the Patriots.
While Metcalf has become one of the league’s premier receivers, the Seahawks missed the chance to pair him with Samuel.
NFL NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DK Metcalf, Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers Updates
Since joining the 49ers, Samuel has become a versatile offensive weapon. He has 468 receiving yards this season and will return Sunday after a brief absence stemming from a sideline altercation in Week 10. Metcalf, a two-time Pro Bowler, leads Seattle with 568 receiving yards and three touchdowns but has missed the last two games with a knee injury. He is expected to play Sunday.
Sunday’s matchup between the 49ers and Seahawks highlights a missed opportunity for Seattle. Instead of teammates, Samuel and Metcalf remain rivals shaping one of the NFL’s fiercest divisions.
