49ers depth chart: Predicting each wide receiver’s role in 2022
By Peter Panacy
49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (the man-coverage specialist)
For the early portions of 2021, Kyle Shanahan often had to use Brandon Aiyuk in a field-stretching role, which didn’t exactly help the 2020 draft pick’s stat line with a weak-armed Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback.
It’s a thankless job regardless, running deep routes to draw a defender down the field all the while knowing targets aren’t likely coming your way.
That aspect of the offense should change a bit with Trey Lance and his stronger arm under center, but with the 49ers drafting Danny Gray and/or looking at Ray-Ray McCloud to serve as a speed threat, Aiyuk should be freed up to be more of a focal point of the offense.
Particularly against man coverage, where Aiyuk thrives.
Brandon Aiyuk was PFF's highest-graded 49ers player vs Dallas. That absolutely matches the eye test.
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) January 17, 2022
49ers drafted Aiyuk to beat man coverage and he consistently cooked Trevon Diggs. They also drafted him to block, he put on a clinic — even vs Micah Parsons (50 pounds heavier)
Aiyuk, who nevertheless had 826 receiving yards despite his slow start last season, is one of those players poised to benefit a lot with Lance under center, and it’s certainly reasonable to assume the former Arizona State wideout finally surpasses that 1,000-yard receiving plateau in 2022.
Particularly if defenses are locked in on the Niners’ No. 1 offensive weapon, Deebo Samuel.