Reggie Wayne picks 49ers rookie Deebo Samuel as 2019 breakout candidate

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As Jimmy Garoppolo enters his third season with the 49ers, it's still unknown who will be the quarterback's top target for the 2019 season. 

What about a rookie? Former Colts star wide receiver Reggie Wayne believes second-round pick Deebo Samuel can step into the role right away. 

"Without a true No. 1 receiver in San Francisco, Samuel has a real opportunity to make waves in Year 1," Wayne wrote in a recent NFL.com column

The 49ers chose Samuel out of South Carolina with the No. 36 overall pick in this year's draft. Despite being under 6-feet, Samuel proved to be a real red-zone threat in college. 

He caught 11 touchdowns as a senior for the Gamecocks, and scored once on a kick return. Over his four years, he scored a combined 27 touchdowns between being a receiver, ball-carrier and returner. 

[RELATED: Why SI says 49ers are entering their Super Bowl window]

Samuel is expected to be a versatile receiver for Garoppolo, with the ability to line up in the slot or out wide.

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Though Samuel has been sidelined with a hip ailment this offseaon, he's expected to be ready to go once training camp begins July 26.

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