In the high-stakes world of the NFL draft, teams are always searching for the perfect combination of talent to elevate their roster. Back in 2019, the Seattle Seahawks had their sights set on an electrifying wide receiver duo that could have reshaped the landscape of the NFC West. According to league sources, Seattle orchestrated a bold plan to draft both Deebo Samuel and DK Metcalf, two players who have since become Pro Bowl standouts for their respective teams.
The Seahawks’ Master Plan
Insiders reveal that during the first round of the 2019 draft, Seattle traded their 30th overall pick to the New York Giants in exchange for picks No. 37, 132, and 142. This strategic move was just the first step in their grand scheme. The following night, they intended to trade back up from No. 37 to No. 35, specifically targeting Deebo Samuel.
The Seahawks had reportedly worked out a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders to secure the 35th pick, but in a shocking turn of events, the Raiders backed out at the last moment. Instead, they traded the pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who selected offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor. To this day, Seattle remains baffled by the Raiders’ sudden change of heart.
49ers Snag Deebo Samuel
With their master plan derailed, the Seahawks watched as the San Francisco 49ers swooped in and drafted Deebo Samuel with the very next pick at No. 36. The versatile wide receiver has since become a cornerstone of the 49ers’ offense, racking up 3,148 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns in his first four seasons.
“Deebo Samuel was a player we really liked,” a Seahawks source confided. “We thought we had a deal in place to get him, but sometimes the draft doesn’t go according to plan.”
Metcalf Becomes Plan B
Undeterred by missing out on Samuel, Seattle quickly pivoted to their backup plan. They traded down again from No. 37 to No. 47, acquiring pick No. 77 in the process. With the 47th selection, they drafted Utah safety Marquise Blair.
But the Seahawks weren’t done yet. They set their sights on another dynamic receiver, DK Metcalf, who had surprisingly fallen to the end of the second round. Seattle packaged their third- and fourth-round picks in a trade with the New England Patriots, moving up to No. 64 overall to snag Metcalf.
“We knew DK had incredible potential,” the source added. “Even though we couldn’t get Deebo, we felt fortunate to still come away with a receiver of Metcalf’s caliber.”
The Fallout and What Could Have Been
In the years since that fateful draft, both Deebo Samuel and DK Metcalf have emerged as elite playmakers for their respective teams. Samuel’s versatility as a receiver and runner has made him a unique weapon in Kyle Shanahan’s offense, while Metcalf’s size, speed, and physicality have established him as one of the NFL’s most feared deep threats.
But what if the Seahawks’ original plan had come to fruition? Imagining a receiving corps featuring both Samuel and Metcalf is enough to make any defensive coordinator shudder. The duo’s complementary skill sets could have given Seattle a virtually unstoppable aerial attack, potentially altering the balance of power in the highly competitive NFC West.
Moving Forward
As the Seahawks and 49ers prepare to face off this Sunday, the “what ifs” of that 2019 draft will undoubtedly linger in the minds of both teams’ front offices. Samuel, coming off a heated sideline incident with teammate Jake Moody, will look to prove his value as San Francisco’s third-leading receiver this season. Meanwhile, Metcalf, returning from a two-game absence due to a knee injury, aims to reassert himself as Seattle’s top offensive weapon.
Though the Seahawks’ grand plan to unite Deebo Samuel and DK Metcalf never materialized, the ripple effects of that 2019 draft continue to shape the NFL landscape. As both receivers continue to shine for their respective franchises, fans can only wonder how different the league might look had Seattle’s bold gambit paid off.
