Brandon Aiyuk’s dynasty value following the 2020 NFL Draft

The 2020 NFL Draft has left us spoilt for choice when it comes to dynasty value, and Brandon Aiyuk is another of those solid options. Just four picks after the draft was somewhat shaken by the selection of Jalen Reagor, the San Francisco 49ers created more shockwaves trading up to grab their guy in Aiyuk with the 25th pick. Aiyuk‘s path to the NFL Draft was not a straightforward one, as he spent two years at Sierra College before committing to Arizona State for his final two years of eligibility. However, he ultimately ends up being a first-round selection after an impressive senior season.

Brandon Aiyuk’s dynasty value heading into 2020

Strong skills make up for lack of downfield threat

Aiyuk may not be the biggest downfield threat in this draft class, but he makes up for that lack of second gear with a superb skill set that makes him an asset for the 49ers and dynasty squads alike. Aiyuk possesses strong hands and runs his routes crisply and cleaner, giving him good separation for his quarterback. He is also an effective weapon after the catch despite the lack of blow you away speed, meaning he can provide those all-important yards after the catch.

One of the best traits in Aiyuk’s game is the way that he gets off the line. The skill is evident on tape, and it is backed up by an elite grade in his relative athletic score when it comes to his explosiveness. That explosiveness can be as effective as speed in creating separation, both off the line and out of his breaks.

Aiyuk has an opportunity in a dynamic offense

When you look around the league at which rookie receivers could be an immediate starter, Aiyuk’s name has to be right at the top of your list. For all the talent the San Francisco 49ers possess on offense, they desperately needed to add talent at the wide receiver position this offseason. Until the draft, they had not addressed the position, and that puts Aiyuk in a potential starting position right from the get-go. Now, the rookie receiver is potentially in a position to pick up the majority of the snaps that Emmanuel Sanders saw down the stretch, 95%-plus.

Combine that opportunity to be on the field for a large number of snaps with playing for one of the most creative play-callers in the league in Kyle Shanahan, and things just keep looking better and better for Aiyuk. Shanahan demonstrated in Atlanta what he could do with a strong receiving corps, but the big advantage here for Aiyuk is that he does not have the same depth at the position as he did in Atlanta.

What is the value of Aiyuk in 2020 rookie drafts?

Currently, Aiyuk is being taken with an early-to-mid second-round pick in rookie drafts. That places him around Justin Jefferson, Denzel Mims, Michael Pittman, and Laviska Shenault when it comes to value. That value for Aiyuk is perfect if you are a team that is a year or two away from competing.

However, if your team is ready to challenge this year, then Aiyuk is worth a shot with one of the final picks in the first round in both standard and Superflex formats. The number of rookie receivers who have the potential to be a contributor from Day 1 for your fantasy team is perhaps limited to three or four names. Aiyuk is firmly planted as one of those names, and he could be a big contributor from the start.

Aiyuk’s skillset perfectly suits what the 49ers need in a receiver to replace Sanders. He could easily step in and replicate Sanders’ production down the stretch in San Francisco: 3.6 receptions per game, 50 yards per game, and three touchdowns in 10 games. While those numbers will not blow you away, he should be an interesting floor option, which can be valuable as a third receiver or flex option on a contending dynasty team.

Aiyuk’s fantasy value

How you value Aiyuk very much depends on your situation. In the leagues where I am ready to challenge, he is a top-five option for me and worthy of a late first-round pick. However, in a rebuild, then his value just slides back into the top of the second round. Where his value sits is in the group with Justin Jefferson, as a potential Day 1 contributor with a ceiling to grow into.

It is then a big tier drop for me down to the next group containing Mims, Pittman, and Shenault. If you see him dropping behind those guys in drafts, then it may very well be worth your while to move up and grab a player who could be both an immediate contributor and a long-term asset.

Ben Rolfe is an editor and writer at Pro Football Network. You can find him on twitter @benrolfe15.