The San Francisco 49ers' wide receiver situation remains unresolved as Brandon Aiyuk, the team's leading receiver last season, did not join organized team activities (OTAs) this week as he seeks a contract extension. This was expected, given the voluntary nature of the current phase of the offseason.
Despite contract uncertainty, the top of the 49ers' wide receiver depth chart is not expected to change for the upcoming season. The starters will be Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, with a healthy dose of Jauan Jennings and rookie Ricky Pearsall sprinkled in.
This group is expected to pose a formidable challenge for opposing defenses, with Aiyuk and Samuel considered one of the top duos in the NFL.
Aiyuk came in at No. 8, with Monson commenting, "A devastating route runner and explosive threat, Brandon Aiyuk is one of the most efficient receivers in the game whose overall numbers are held back only by the offense he plays in and the sheer quantity of other options within it. Passes thrown his way last season generated a 126.8 passer rating."
Sandwiched between Aiyuk and Samuel is Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams at the No. 9 spot, placing the 49ers' other star wideout at No. 10.
"One of the most difficult players to place in abstract terms, Deebo Samuel is a unique weapon," Monson remarked. "Part running back, part receiver and all playmaker, he led the league with 32 broken tackles last year, 10 more than any other receiver. His absences from the lineup due to injury also coincided with the 49ers' biggest wobbles during the season."
To no one's surprise, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson nabbed the top spot in Monson's ranking. Like Aiyuk, he is also awaiting a contract resolution.
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