49ers 2020 draft class: 5 rookies who’ll impress most in training camp
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: Wide Receiver Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State
Kyle Shanahan ultimately wanted Brandon Aiyuk over a number of the other top wide receivers in the 2020 NFL Draft, and there are some key reasons why.
What’ll matter the most, however, is whether or not those reasons translate over to the pro level, and training camp will provide the backdrop to do so.
Aiyuk might not have the same level of physicality Jauan Jennings has. But Aiyuk matches Jennings’ yards-after-the-catch abilities, and the former is a much more-polished route runner. And Aiyuk is much faster a prospect, too.
Those two accolades alone should be worth watching during training camp, hopefully showcasing the former Sun Devil’s ability to evade established defensive backs and get into open space. Combined with reliable hands, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Aiyuk make some highlight-reel catches during training camp.
San Francisco needs this kind of receiver on its roster right away, and the hope is Aiyuk will justify the first-round selection in year one.