While most of the homework on the San Francisco 49ers' second selection of the first round, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk of Arizona State, took place this offseason, general manager John Lynch and his staff really started to take notice last year while scouting another Sun Devil.
"We started noticing him when we were studying N'Keal Harry (leading to the 2019 draft)," Lynch explained to Colin Cowherd on Tuesday. "N'Keal is a player that we had great interest in last year. He's now with the Patriots. As we were studying him, we kept saying, 'Who's this dude? This guy is pretty good.' He kept showing up in spurts."
Lynch went on to explain how close he is with Arizona State coach Herm Edwards, who was on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers staff during Lynch's time there as a player. Edwards is one of Lynch's closest friends. They are each the godfathers to one of the other's children.
Naturally, Lynch started asking Edwards questions about Aiyuk. The Sun Devils coach told Lynch not to let Aiyuk's lack of production or timed speed fool him.
"So we watched him throughout the year, and he's a guy that just the more you watch, the more you like," Lynch continued. "I think we were probably helped by [his 40-time]. I don't think he was healthy. He's since had that core-muscle surgery, but he ran a 4.5, and our eyes sure didn't see a 4.5. Our eyes saw a guy that never got caught. Sure enough, when I talked to Herm, Herm said, 'Don't believe that. He's a high 4.3 guy all day long.'
"Ultimately, what we liked about him is Kyle (Shanahan) and his staff, I mean, that's one reason when you talk about our hit rate on these receivers, it hasn't been perfect, but they do a tremendous job. They've been in this system for a long time. And so, when you're trying to project with all these college offenses, you have to look at traits, and that's what we do."
Lynch believes there were a couple of receivers in this draft class who ascended above the others — Aiyuk and CeeDee Lamb.
"They had the strength to deal with all the holding, and man-to-man, bump-and-run coverage that's going on in today's football," Lynch explained. "But then the speed with the ball in their hands, or to separate during the route, that is special.
"So kind of the complete package with him. And then, talking with Herm, he really sold me on the kid, how competitive the kid is."
Lynch admits that the 49ers would have considered drafting Aiyuk with their first selection had some other things developed differently, and understands that would have raised some eyebrows — and probably some criticism. But it shows how sold the 49ers were on Aiyuk.
Rapoport: 49ers send clear message to teams inquiring about Brandon Aiyuk
By David Bonilla
Apr 16
Ian Rapoport didn't offer much of an update on the ongoing contract negotiations between the San Francisco 49ers and their standout wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk. However, the NFL insider emphasized one thing: The team is not entertaining trade discussions at this juncture.
Reacting to Aiyuk's decision to unfollow the 49ers on Instagram, Rapoport couldn't help but chuckle at the latest development. This practice has become commonplace among players who are unhappy with their contract situations. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel similarly took this action in 2022 before requesting to be traded just before the draft.
Things have yet to escalate that far with Aiyuk, but Rapoport sees his
Rumor: Steelers believe they can acquire 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk at a bargain
By David Bonilla
Apr 17
According to Sports Illustrated contributor Noah Strackbein, who writes for "All Steelers" on the network, there's a level of confidence within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization that they can strike a deal for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk—and at a bargain rate.
"According to a team source, the Steelers and 49ers trade talks are real," Strackbein wrote. "While nothing is imminent, they 'would be surprised if it didn't happen.' But it all comes down to compensation, and Pittsburgh isn't willing to budge much on price."
While it seems unlikely that the 49ers would part ways with Aiyuk for anything less than a first-round draft
Insider provides clarity on 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors
By David Bonilla
23 hrs
A questionable rumor surfaced on Wednesday regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers' interest in San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Sports Illustrated contributor Noah Strackbein reported that the AFC team was seemingly confident they could pull off a trade for Aiyuk.
However, the credibility of this report comes into question due to the assertion that the Steelers believe they could acquire Aiyuk at a bargain price, possibly in exchange for a second-round draft pick and a late-round selection.
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Why one analyst is worried for Brock Purdy if 49ers trade Brandon Aiyuk
By David Bonilla
22 hrs
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy achieved a remarkable feat in 2023, setting a single-season franchise record with 4,280 passing yards. This accomplishment is noteworthy, considering the illustrious quarterbacks who have graced the organization's history.
A significant portion of those yards came from wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who amassed a career-high and team-leading 1,342 receiving yards. Most of his 75 catches originated from passes thrown by Purdy.
Amidst significant offseason chatter surrounding the 49ers' star receiver, including several unsubstantiated trade rumors, Aiyuk's future remains uncertain. Former NFL player James Jones, now an analyst, expressed concern for Purdy should Aiyuk's tenure in the Bay Area come to an end.
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