Former ASU WR Aiyuk ranks among PFF’s highest-graded rookies
Nov 7, 2020, 10:30 AM
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) makes a leaping catch against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Former ASU wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is balling out in his rookie season and people are starting to take notice.
Pro Football Focus graded Aiyuk as the No. 7 rookie in the NFL through Week 8.
After missing the season opener due to a hamstring injury, the 49ers rookie is averaging 13.25 yards per reception and a notable 17.25 yards per rush through seven games.
Aiyuk finished Week 8’s loss to the Seahawks with eight receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown on a team-high 11 targets, building off a stellar week before where he had six receptions for 115 yards against the New England Patriots.
“The best part about his emergence is that he is showing a lot of progress with his route-running — he showed the ability to beat single coverage this past week as he caught 3-of-4 such targets for 45 yards and a touchdown,” PFF’s Anthony Treash wrote.
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The receiver’s PFF grade has seen an increase in the past few weeks, ranking third at 86.1, according to PFF.
He’s also graded fourth in yards per route run at 3.17
The 49ers’ selection of Aiyuk with the 25th pick in the NFL Draft was the highest Sun Devil draft pick since Terrell Suggs in 2003.
