Comparisons are fun. Entering last year's draft, NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein compared wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to Robert Woods of the Los Angeles Rams. Aiyuk ended up becoming a first-round selection of the San Francisco 49ers and had an impressive rookie campaign.
Cornerback Jason Verrett offered up another comparison while speaking to the media on Thursday, saying Aiyuk displays traits that remind him of a future Hall of Famer.
"We kind of can see similarities with BA, as far as the skillset, of Julio (Jones)," Verrett shared. "You can kind of see some similarities."
That is high praise for the second-year receiver. Verrett feels Aiyuk is benefiting from the presence of another former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver — Mohamed Sanu. The veteran is preparing to enter his 10th NFL season and second stint with the Niners.
"Having a vet like Mohamed, who's been around the league, and also a guy who's looking damn good too, being out there on the field," Verrett said. "I mean, Sanu looks great. So, having that, I think, helps BA, helps Deebo (Samuel) with their approach in going into practice. I think if all of them are on the same page, the offense can be dominant."
The 49ers are hoping their duo of young wideouts — Aiyuk and Samuel — have breakout seasons. Samuel previewed what he was capable of during his own impressive rookie campaign in 2019. Only NFL legend Jerry Rice had more receiving yards as a rookie in franchise history. Aiyuk followed that up with a 60-reception, 748-yard season last year.
Samuel feels that his teammate is nearly a complete offensive weapon. But, of course, there is always room for improvement.
"One thing that we always pick on BA about is coming off the ball because he has everything else — the routes, the hands," Samuel told reporters earlier this week. "So, if he can come off the ball like he's supposed to every play, he's kind of an unguardable guy."
Aiyuk's potential also has Verrett very excited about the 23-year-old receiver's future.
"BA has always been a special player," Verrett said. "We even noticed that last year. But going into year two, being able to have a year under his belt, kind of knows what it takes, yeah, BA, like I said, he's a special player. He's a guy that, I think, is going to make a lot of special plays for us."
