Brandon Aiyuk broadly is thought to be one of many NFL’s prime extensive receivers — and hopes to be paid like one — however the place does he rank within the eyes of league evaluators?
ESPN launched its rating of the league’s prime receivers in keeping with NFL executives, coaches and scouts for the 2024 season, with Aiyuk cracking the highest 10.
10. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers
Highest rating: 3 | Lowest rating: Unranked
Age: 26 | Final 12 months’s rating: Unranked
“Aiyuk received a tiebreaker with Rams receiver Cooper Kupp due to his breakout 1,342-yard season in 2023,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote.
“Aiyuk has come a good distance from beginning his profession in Kyle Shanahan’s doghouse attributable to inconsistencies as a rookie. He is labored his approach into premier standing.”
“Extra downfield manufacturing, big soar in yards per catch, quietly has virtually 300 [career] catches,” stated an NFL govt who voted Aiyuk top-three. “Excels as a blocker. Decrease physique capacity is nearly as good as anybody.”
“Aiyuk, who has 269 profession catches by means of 4 seasons, upped his yards per catch from 14.8 to 17.9 in 2023, trailing solely George Pickens (18.1). Greater than 37 % of his receptions went for 20-plus yards, tops within the NFL (minimal 100 targets),” Fowler added.
“In a loaded 49ers offense, Aiyuk has emerged as the highest goal with 218 targets, far forward of Deebo Samuel (181) and George Kittle (176),” Fowler provides.
“Premier route runner with open-field juice,” an NFL personnel evaluator stated.
The 9 extensive receivers forward of Aiyuk are as follows:
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. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles
7. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions
8. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
9. Stefon Diggs, Houston Texans
Aiyuk wasn’t the one 49ers extensive receiver to garner recognition as one of many NFL’s prime gamers on the place.
Honorable mentions
Deebo Samuel Sr., San Francisco 49ers: “Nonetheless among the best playmakers in all of soccer, averaging 8.8 yards after catch per reception, main the sector. “Sturdiness has been a little bit of a priority, however he is the last word weapon,” an AFC exec stated.”
With Samuel and Aiyuk — together with rookie Ricky Pearsall and veteran Jauan Jennings — San Francisco ought to have one of many NFL’s greatest extensive receiver rooms in 2024, if the 49ers don’t transfer the 2023 Second-Crew All-Professional after the star receiver reportedly requested a commerce on Tuesday.
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