San Francisco 49ers: Brandon Aiyuk has been absolutely fantastic
Do not sleep on how great San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been.
It was a bit of a surprise when the San Francisco 49ers traded up to select Brandon Aiyuk at No. 25 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. Aiyuk was considered a fringe first-round prospect, but the 49ers were light on draft capital as it was and wide receiver was not among their most obvious needs. However, once the pick happened, it felt like an absolutely perfect fit.
Aiyuk did not enter the NFL as a complete wide receiver who could impact the game in a variety of ways. That being said, he did have one special ability that made him such an exciting prospect. Aiyuk is a tremendous run-after-catch receiver whose ability to shake defenders in space and keep balance through contact both stand out as special skills at the wide receiver position.
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A gifted player who is a perfect fit for 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers stood out as an obvious fit for Aiyuk because of head coach Kyle Shanahan and his ability to scheme playmaking opportunities for his offensive skill position players. Shanahan is the best in the league at getting his playmakers in space and that is where Aiyuk shines. We are seeing this perfect match in action during Aiyuk’s rookie season with the San Francisco 49ers.
In 11 games played this season, Aiyuk has hauled in 59 receptions for 733 yards and five receiving touchdowns. Shanahan and company have also given opportunities to Aiyuk to shine as a runner, as he has carried the ball five times for 61 yards and two touchdowns on the year. The 49ers have done a great job of simply getting the ball to Aiyuk in advantageous situations in space. He can take care of the rest from there.
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Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings has been the best rookie wide receiver in the NFL this season, but this is undoubtedly an exciting group of rookie players at the position that has a ton of long-term upside. You will see more hype around guys like Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb and Henry Ruggs, but do not sleep on Aiyuk. He is already an impact player for the 49ers and undoubtedly has massive upside for the team going forward.