RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Target Around ~59 Overall
CURRENT ADP: ~69
ANALYSIS:
Brandon Aiyuk came on strong in the second half of 2020 and ended up being as productive as just about any rookie receiver not named Justin Jefferson. Aiyuk was the ninth-best fantasy scorer during the 12 weeks when he was active, earning a 60-748-5 line and running for two more touchdowns while flashing speed, separation, and a knack for making chunk plays.
And for the majority of that time, the first-rounder out of Arizona State might as well have been playing with a piano on his back. Injuries to 49ers starter Jimmy Garoppolo left Aiyuk spending seven games working with shaky replacement quarterbacks Nick Mullens and C.J. Beathard. The aggregate passer rating on throws targeting Aiyuk was 86.6, according to data from Pro Football Reference. That compares with 112.7 for Jefferson and more than 100 for CeeDee Lamb, Chase Claypool, and Tee Higgins -- the only other rookies who outscored Aiyuk.
Aiyuk’s run-after-catch prowess could make him a longshot to stay healthy for 17 games, and there’s no guarantee San Francisco’s quarterback play will be improved in 2021. The likelihood, though, is that dynamic dual-threat Trey Lance, the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft, will either seize the job early or provide enough competition to motivate Jimmy G to be his best.
Gamers have gotten wise and pushed up Aiyuk’s ADP into the late fifth round of 12-team leagues. That still leaves lots of room for profit given his potential to crack the position’s top-10.
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