Brandon Aiyuk is widely regarded as one of the top wide receivers in the NFL. I expect to be paid the same –But where does he rank among the league’s evaluators?
ESPN Ranking the league’s top receivers According to NFL executives, coaches and scouts, Aiyuk is projected to be a top-10 prospect going into the 2024 season.
10. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers
Highest ranking: 3 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Year: 26 | Last year’s ranking: Unranked
“Aiyuk won the tiebreaker against Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp thanks to his breakout performance in 2023, when he rushed for 1,342 yards,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote.
“Aiyuk started his career in coach Kyle Shanahan’s doghouse due to some inconsistency as a rookie, but he’s come a long way from there. He’s risen to premiership status.”
“His downfield production has increased and his yards per catch has increased significantly, quietly approaching 300 yards. [career] “He’s a great catcher,” said one NFL executive who selected Aiyuk as a top-three pick. “He’s a great blocker. His lower-body ability is second to none.”
“With 269 career catches over four seasons, Aiyuk is set to improve his yards per catch from 14.8 to 17.9 in 2023, second only to George Pickens (18.1). More than 37 percent of his receptions have been 20 yards or longer, tops in the NFL (min. 100 targets),” Fowler added.
“Among the 49ers’ loaded offensive line, Aiyuk led the way with 218 targets, far ahead of Deebo Samuel (181) and George Kittle (176),” Fowler added.
“Elite route runner with power in the open field,” an NFL personnel evaluator said.
The nine wide receivers ranked higher than Aiyuk are:
1. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
2. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins
3. Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
4. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys
5. Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders
6. AJ Brown, Philadelphia Eagles
7. Amon-Ra Saint Brown, Detroit Lions
8. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
9. Stefon Diggs, Houston Texans
Aiyuk isn’t the only 49ers wide receiver who has been recognized as one of the best players at the wide receiver position in the NFL.
Honorable Mention
Deebo Samuel Sr., San Francisco 49ers: “He remains one of the best playmakers in football and leads the field in yards after the catch with an average of 8.8 yards per reception. There are some concerns about his durability, but he’s the ultimate weapon,” the AFC executive said.
With Samuel and Aiyuk, along with rookie Ricky Piersall and veteran Jauan Jennings, San Francisco would have the NFL’s best wide receiver corps in 2024, assuming the 49ers don’t move the 2023 second-team All-Pro behind their star receiver. Reportedly demanded a trade on tuesday.
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