Brandon Aiyuk is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s top wide receivers and wants to be paid accordingly, but where does he rank in the eyes of the league’s evaluators?
ESPN released its rankings of the league’s top receivers for the 2024 season as determined by NFL executives, coaches and scouts, and Aiyuk was ranked in the top 10.
10. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers
Highest rank: 3 | Lowest rank: Unranked
Age: 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 with some inconsistency as a rookie, but he’s come a long way from there. He’s risen to premiership status.”
“He’s been more effective downfield, he’s gained a lot more yards per catch and he’s quietly approached 300 (career) catches,” said one NFL executive who named Aiyuk in the top three. “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: “Still one of the best playmakers in football, averaging 8.8 yards per catch and leading the field. We were a little concerned 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 could have one of the NFL’s best wide receiver corps in 2024 — unless the 49ers move their 2023 second-team All-Pro after the star receiver reportedly requested a trade on Tuesday.
Download and follow the 49ers Talk podcast
