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49ers NFL Draft: Predicting each rookie selection’s impact in 2020

By Safa Shooshtry

Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina Gamecocks (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina Gamecocks (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
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San Francisco 49ers
Brandon Aiyuk #2 of the Arizona State Sun Devils (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Wide Receiver Brandon Aiyuk

The 49ers entered the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 13th and 31st overall selections. They realized they were not satisfied with the 31st selection, and to get the player they wanted, traded up to the 25th spot with the Minnesota Vikings. They swapped the 31st, 117th and 176th overall selections to move up to No. 25.

The move was all to ensure they could select wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk out of Arizona State with the 25th pick. Shanahan liked Aiyuk a lot and even stated that he would’ve selected him with their earlier pick if their first choice was off the board.

Aiyuk was ASU’s leading receiver in 2019 with 65 receptions for 1,192 yards receiving. He also returned kickoffs and punts and was the Pac 12 leader in punts yards per return at 16.1.

For the 49ers, Aiyuk has a chance to jump into the No. 2 wide receiver spot on the depth chart behind only Deebo Samuel. He can be a vertical threat in the offense.

He will, however, have the greatest chance to shine by using his agility and footwork to pick up yards after the catch on screen passes and other short throws.

Look for Aiyuk to finish the 2020 season in the realm of 75 receptions for 850 yards and eight touchdowns.