49ers 2020 NFL Draft: 3 reasons Brandon Aiyuk is a schematic fit

No. 2: Separation

Although Kyle Shanahan is highly proficient at getting the ball in the hands of his receivers in open spaces, he also covets receivers who are able to create separation in their route running.

This is one of Brandon Aiyuk’s more underrated traits.

Aiyuk is considered to be somewhat raw as a prospect by some evaluators, though the stems partially from the fact he only played one season as the primary target for the Sun Devils. Aiyuk was a JUCO transfer prior to his last two seasons at ASU, and played behind now-New England Patriots wide receiver N’Keal Harry in 2018.

Nevertheless, while there were more skilled route runners drafted in 2020, Aiyuk possesses an impressive natural skill set that should allow him to separate from defensive backs at the next level.

First, despite his average 40-yard dash time, Aiyuk has good acceleration off the snap and, as an incredibly fluid athlete, keeps defensive backs on their toes. Additionally, he uses his eyes, hands and amazing footwork to gain leverage on opponents.

He has been criticized for taking extra, unnecessary steps in his routes, though the 49ers should be able to clean up the crispness of Aiyuk’s routes. Moreover, Aiyuk ran a better-than-average route tree at ASU, so he should be able to transition fairly well to the next level.

Aiyuk may have a learning curve in adjusting to NFL defenses, and press-man coverage in particular, but given his natural abilities, he should be a quick study.