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Brandon Aiyuk 2020 Outlook: Opportunity Available
5 years agoSan Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk could thrive in Kyle Shanahan's system in 2020. Shanahan proved just how explosive a YAC monster could be in his offense when the 49ers unleashed Deebo Samuel to the tune of 697 total yards and four touchdowns in the final eight games of the 2019 regular season. The same creativity that helped Samuel thrive last year should be perfect for a player with Aiyuk's ability, who was among college football’s leaders in YAC in 2019. Aiyuk should have the opportunity to start and succeed in his rookie year just like Samuel did, too. The 49ers have a hole shaped like Emmanuel Sanders in their starting lineup, and they invested the first, fourth, and fifth-round picks into Aiyuk so that he could fill that starting receiver spot. If Aiyuk can secure the same 5.3 targets-per-game that Sanders saw as a 49er, along with a few designed runs and some kick returns, then the rookie could quickly become a better fantasy asset than Sanders was last year. With an ADP of 214th overall, meaning he is going undrafted in many leagues, Aiyuk is a fantasy bargain. Aiyuk should be going in the top 150 picks of re-drafts, and he should be considered a top-15 rookie in dynasty formats, especially if your league rewards return yards and/or touchdowns.
