NFL Draft 2020: 49ers trade up, grab potentially elite WR Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco traded up in the 2020 NFL Draft to select Arizona State’s Brandon Aiyuk with the 25th overall pick. An immediate boost for the 49ers.

After opting to draft defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw with the 13th overall pick, the 49ers addressed the wide receiver position with their 25th overall pick, selecting former Sun Devil Brandon Aiyuk.

They needed to trade up with the Minnesota Vikings to acquire Aiyuk, but they moved up and got their man who has the potential to be an elite receiver for the Niners.

Aiyuk will likely see immediate playing time and targets for the 49ers with Emmanuel Sanders departing this offseason. They added him at the trade deadline last season, now he’s re-opened that hole; Aiyuk fills it. Deebo Samuel playing opposite Aiyuk should open things up early for the rookie, but he’ll also be helped by one of the best minds in football in head coach Kyle Shanahan.

The 6-foot-1 Aiyuk is a terror for defenders after securing the catch. As a senior in 2019, he averaged 18.3 yards-per-reception. He amassed nearly 1,200 receiving yards and scored eight touchdowns, too, while also helping in the return game. When he has the ball in his hands, he’s as slippery as can be.

Grade: B+

This is a great pick for the 49ers, although they did surrender some draft capital that could hurt their overall roster depth. But, Aiyuk will flourish under Shanahan flanked by Samuel and Greg Kittle. Will this weapon help Jimmy Garoppolo take that next step? Does this move help the 49ers return to the Super Bowl?