Where NFL personnel, executives and scouts rank Aiyuk among the top receivers originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
Brandon Aiyuk is widely considered one of the greatest wide receivers in the NFL – and Expect to be paid like a — but where does he rank in the eyes of league evaluators?
ESPN released its ranking of the best receivers in the league according to NFL executives, coaches and scouts for the 2024 season, with Aiyuk among the top 10.
10. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers
Highest Ranking: 3 | Lowest Rating: Without classification
Age: 26 | Last year’s ranking: Without classification
“Aiyuk won the tiebreaker with Rams receiver Cooper Kupp thanks to his 1,342-yard season in 2023,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote.
“Aiyuk has come a long way since starting his career in Kyle Shanahan’s doghouse due to inconsistencies as a rookie.
“More production on the field, big jump in yards per catch, silently has almost 300 [career] catches,” said an NFL executive who voted for Aiyuk in the top three. “Excellent as a blocker. Lower body ability is as good as any.”
“Aiyuk, who has 269 career receptions in four seasons, increased his yards per reception from 14.8 to 17.9 in 2023, behind only George Pickens (18.1). More than 37 percent of his catches have gone for 20-plus yards, the most in the NFL (minimum 100 targets),” Fowler added.
“In a loaded 49ers offense, Aiyuk emerged as the top target with 218 targets, far ahead of Deebo Samuel (181) and George Kittle (176),” adds Fowler.
“Master route runner with energy in the open field,” said an NFL personnel evaluator.
The nine wide receivers ahead 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. AJ 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 only 49ers wide receiver to receive recognition as one of the NFL’s best players at the position.
Honorable mentions
Deebo Samuel Sr., San Francisco 49ers: “He’s still one of the best playmakers in all of football, averaging 8.8 yards after catch per catch, leading the field. Durability has been a concern, but he’s the ultimate weapon,” said an AFC executive.
With Samuel and Aiyuk – along with rookie Ricky Pearsall and veteran Jauan Jennings – San Francisco should have one of the best wide receiver rooms in the NFL in 2024 if the 49ers don’t move Aiyuk behind the star receiver allegedly requested an exchange on Tuesday.
