Ranking the 49ers' last 10 first-round draft picks from worst to best

No. 3: WR Brandon Aiyuk (2020)

The 49ers have done a pretty good job of drafting wide receivers recently. Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, and Brandon Aiyuk were all players drafted by San Francisco.

The only one of these who was taken in the first round was Aiyuk.

The 49ers got Aiyuk with the 25th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Of course, much of Aiyuk's early tenure in San Francisco was marred by reports that he was in Kyle Shanahan's proverbial "doghouse" because he was not getting a lot of targets.

Eventually, Aiyuk became an essential part of the offense.

Last season, he seemed to step up his game even further as he and Brock Purdy seemed to establish a good connection. In 2023, Aiyuk had over 1,300 receiving yard, seven touchdown catches, and roughly 18 yards per reception.

While it remains unclear what Aiyuk's future will be with the Niners, it is clear that he is a huge part of their offense. They would not be able to easily replace him on the field, so the 49ers should think long and hard before trading him.

The next player on this list just ceased being a 49er after being the longest-tenured player on the team.