Brandon Aiyuk is poised for a big year. Last season, the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his NFL career while hauling in a career-high eight touchdowns.

One of Aiyuk's teammates has noticed the growth and expects the fourth-year wideout to have a breakout 2023 campaign.

"It's crazy because I'm with him every day. He's like my guy," wide receiver Deebo Samuel told reporters after Wednesday's practice, the first of training camp. "From year one to now, his confidence level is through the roof. He walks in, he walks out every day like nobody can guard him. And you walk around with that type of attitude, you take that out there to the field, I mean, it can only translate.

"He took his game to another level, and it's very exciting to see."


49ers players are eager to see how Brock Purdy has progressed since undergoing surgery on March 10 to repair the torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow. Purdy did not practice on Wednesday but has been cleared by the team to do so.

That left Trey Lance to share practice reps with Sam Darnold and Brandon Allen. Samuel was asked about the 49ers' former No. 3 overall pick and what he has seen from the third-year quarterback.

"If you ask me, Trey's gotten better since the last time I saw him, due to his injury," Samuel shared. "He's gotten better, so I'm excited to see how this camp will go."

Samuel was asked to expand on how Lance has improved.

"The way the ball is coming out," he responded. "He used to throw the ball kind of hard a lot. He kind of got a great touch to his ball now. He's more comfortable. He's more relaxed back there, and he looks a little bit more poised to me."
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