49ers training camp: 5 players impressing the most over first 2 weeks

49ers training camp standout No. 1: Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk

One could make the argument that Charvarius Ward has been the 49ers training camp MVP on the defensive side of the ball.

If there’s been an offensive MVP throughout camp, it’d have to be third-year wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

Sure, much of the attention has focused on fellow Niners wideout Deebo Samuel, particularly after he returned to the field after getting his much-anticipated contract extension. Yet Aiyuk has been the one upon whom Trey Lance has relied heavily during practices, and there has been no shortage of highlight-reel catches from the former first-round draft pick like the one below:

Nearly every camp report breaks down how Aiyuk has shined against some stiff coverage, including being locked down by players like Ward.

Except Aiyuk has usually ended up on the positive side of those one-on-one battles, which is great news for San Francisco’s receiving corps. Assuming opponents will shift the bulk of their defensive attention on Samuel, Aiyuk finally starting to hit his stride will make life that much easier on Lance and the offense.

Perhaps 2022 is the year Aiyuk truly breaks out as a legitimate threat.