49ers 2020 ‘Who Is?’ series: Brandon Aiyuk a star in the making?
By Peter Panacy
Can Brandon Aiyuk Reach Star Status with 49ers in 2020?
It’s important not to place too lofty expectation levels on rookie wide receivers. This is especially true for those working their way into Kyle Shanahan’s complex offense, which requires intricate route running and separation skills.
Heck, even Deebo Samuel struggled with consistency early in 2019 before catching on late.
The good news, though, is Aiyuk is more than capable at creating yards after the catch — another key facet to Shanahan’s offense. This was especially apparent during Aiyuk’s final season with the Sun Devils in which he averaged 18.3 yards per reception.
Simply put, anytime Aiyuk gets the ball in his hands, he’s a threat to go the distance.
At 6-foot-0 and 200 pounds, Aiyuk isn’t necessarily the biggest pass-catching target out there. But what made him a winner at the college level was his ability to separate.
Fortunately for the rookie, Aiyuk won’t have to be the alpha pass-receiving option on San Francisco’s offense. That accolade goes to tight end George Kittle with Samuel a few ticks behind him, leaving Aiyuk to primarily work with third-tier coverage options.
If Aiyuk comes close to shadowing Samuel’s 800-yard receiving season from 2019, it’ll be a massive boost to the Niners offense, providing Shanahan and Jimmy Garoppolo that crucial third option right out of the gate.