Originally posted by random49er:
Originally posted by Furlow:
I know I was just messing. I agree that Aiyuk has #1 WR written all over him. My only gripe is he doesn't seem to want to go up and get that ball in traffic, despite his 40" vertical which is a little strange. But that was one knock on him in college as well. Other than that, he's an explosive playmaker for sure.
Mind showing us at least a couple of plays you noticed this?
Did you not see the INT at the end of the half last week? He didn't even jump. And this was the knock on him coming out of college:
CONS: Struggles to clear press coverage and he can get stuck on the top of routes when challenged with physicality. Has to develop more hand technique at the line of scrimmage and route technique throughout his stem to not invite so much contact when he's trying to be deceptive and sell breaks. Not a natural hands catcher and the ball gets on top of him quickly. Often works to guide the football into his frame. Struggles in contested situations and he just doesn't extend throwing windows very effectively. Often too willing to wait on the football when he needs to "go get it". Only one season of meaningful production.
https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/brandon-aiyuk/ZsLQCCVH6K
Concerns
When he's not running a slant or a screen, or when his quarterback doesn't buy time for him to get open on an improvisational play, Aiyuk frequently is covered tightly and struggles to make contested catches (3 of 14 on such plays over his career per Pro Football Focus). He also didn't run a full variety of routes at Arizona State, so that might be something he's got to learn in his first season.
https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/fantasy-football-2020-nfl-draft-profile-is-brandon-aiyuk-a-one-year-wonder-or-long-time-contributor/
Anyway, I think it's something he can develop and can be coached into him. 40" vertical, he just has to learn to use it.