Niner Noise
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49ers training camp: 3 players who’ll shine early in 2020

By Nathan Bannerman

Members of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
Members of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /
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Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona Sun Devils
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk #2 of the Arizona State Sun Devils versus safety Skyler Thomas #25 of the Washington State Cougars (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

No. 3: 49ers traded up to take Brandon Aiyuk, so training camp will be his time to shine.

In the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the 49ers traded up from their original position to take the talented Brandon Aiyuk with the 25th selection.

All year and into the offseason, the 49ers Faithful were begging for another wide receiver to pair with the talented rookie phenom Deebo Samuel. They got their man. With Samuel out with a broken foot for a while, Aiyuk could take advantage.

Aiyuk had a stellar career with the Arizona Sun Devils. His receiving numbers in college were higher than any of the 49ers receivers: 65 catches, for 1,192 yards with eight touchdowns.

Having some time to work with Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason puts Aiyuk miles ahead in the playbook. Just being able to get some chemistry built with the quarterback and his teammates will help him in the short and long term.

With no extra games to scout the rookie, the 49ers’ first few opponents won’t have much to feed off of. Head coach Kyle Shanahan will certainly use Aiyuk as he sees fit, but you can certainly bank on the rookie getting lots of touches early and often.