PFF ranks 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk 19th among NFL wide receivers

This week, John Kosko of Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked Brock Purdy 11th among all NFL quarterbacks, describing him as a solid starter with flashes of high-end play. Continuing its positional rankings, PFF analyst Trevor Sikkema turned his attention to wide receivers.

Only one San Francisco 49ers wideout made the list of 32—Brandon Aiyuk, who landed at No. 19. That ranking places him in PFF's fourth tier of receivers, alongside others like DeVonta Smith (Eagles), D.J. Moore (Bears), and DK Metcalf (Steelers).

"Aiyuk was one of the NFL's top receivers in 2023, finishing with a 92.3 receiving grade and an outstanding 18.0 yards per reception as one of the league's premier deep threats," Sikkema wrote. "However, his efficiency and production dipped in 2024, and he now enters the upcoming season fresh off ACL and MCL tears."

A lengthy contract holdout—or "hold-in"—likely contributed to Aiyuk's slow start last season. He recorded just 25 catches for 374 yards and was held out of the end zone in seven games. His PFF grade fell from a career-high 91.5 in 2023 to a career-low 74.6 in 2024.

It remains unclear how much Aiyuk will be able to contribute in 2025 following the knee injury he suffered in October, which is expected to keep him sidelined to start the season.

With Aiyuk recovering, Jauan Jennings and second-year receiver Ricky Pearsall are expected to start in Week 1 when the 49ers visit Lumen Field to face the Seattle Seahawks.

If Aiyuk can return to form, he could still play a key role in the 49ers' passing attack later in the season.

Interestingly, Deebo Samuel, whom the 49ers traded to the Washington Commanders this offseason, ranked No. 30, placing him in the sixth tier of Sikkema's list.