3 bold predictions for Brandon Aiyuk heading into 2022
By Timmy Gibson
No. 1: Brandon Aiyuk finishes 2022 with more receiving yards than Deebo Samuel
It seems like sacrilege to predict Brandon Aiyuk outperforming fellow wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and yet, it might be far closer to reality than thought at first glance.
As the 49ers’ offense shifts with Trey Lance taking over as starting quarterback, Aiyuk may be in a position to benefit the most.
First, as already mentioned, Aiyuk spent a large portion of the offseason working out with Lance. This has certainly led to a high degree of friendship and trust between the two. That experience of working together and trusting could lead to Lance favoring Aiyuk, especially out the gate.
This will be even more important in scramble-drill plays when the play breaks down and a quarterback and receiver have to rely on instinct and experience to know where to go to make a play. The Niners have not had many of those in recent years, which is a primary reason the team brought in Lance, who can scramble and extend plays.
Additionally, the way Lance likes to play may just favor Aiyuk over Samuel. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo operated primarily over the middle of the field with short, quick passes. This paired well with Samuel’s incredible ability to create yards after the catch.
Lance, however, plays a bit different, preferring to air the ball out and throw downfield.
Trey Lance brought a vertical element to the 49ers offense in his second career start.
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) January 3, 2022
Lance averaged the most air yards/attempt (11.5) and threw for the most yards on 10+ air yards passes (205) by any 49ers QB in a game over the last three seasons.#HOUvsSF | #FTTB pic.twitter.com/EBe38tvrUU
Lance clearly wants to throw the ball deep, and this pairs well with Aiyuk’s abilities. Recently on the Athletic Football Show, Matt Harmon of Yahoo! Sports and Reception Perception said he believes Aiyuk is a better separator in man coverage than Samuel.
If Harmon is correct, it is easy to see how Aiyuk’s superior ability to separate may lead to more success in the deep passing game the Niners want to shift to with Lance at the helm.
Read More: 3 Niners who benefit with Trey Lance under center
Finally, Aiyuk is clearly operating at a higher level than in previous years, as covered earlier. As he improves, he is bound to eat into Samuel’s target share. Considering Samuel can produce at high levels out of the backfield as well, he could continue to put up stellar rushing numbers while leaving receiving yards available for Aiyuk.
As the 49ers shift to Lance, Aiyuk may be in the best position to benefit from the offense’s shift, leading to this first bold prediction.
Next up is a prediction that might just benefit you.