A is for Aiyuk: As in Brandon Aiyuk, of course, San Francisco’s new wonderboy wide receiver whom the 49ers were so enamored with that they sent three draft picks — a first-, fourth and fifth-rounder — to the Minnesota Vikings to move up just six slots in the first round to select him. For those new to the Arizona State standout, Aiyuk pronounces his last name EYEyook. Might want to get to know that one. You’ll be hearing it a lot in seasons to come.
B is for Buck: As in passing the Buck, which is what the 49ers opted to do when they traded star defensive lineman DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts in March to acquire the No. 13 overall pick in the first round, a decision that eventually set in motion seven separate San Francisco trades during the three-day draft process. “That’s why we had to make some tough decisions like losing Buck and things like that,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “That’s what allowed us to get a draft pick which gave us a chance to maneuver a little bit.”
C is for Colton and Charlie: As in Colton McKivitz and Charlie Woerner, San Francisco’s opening Day 3 selections in rounds 5 and 6 who represent an injection of new blood and toughness into an offensive front that entered the draft looking to upgrade its depth and competition. Time to enter the ring, boys. Don’t expect either to back down from the challenge.
This story is from the June/July 2020 edition of Niner Report.
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This story is from the June/July 2020 edition of Niner Report.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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Fred Warner vaulted to stardom with a spectacular 2020 season — and the 49ers rewarded him this summer with a $95.225 million deal that makes him the highest-paid inside linebacker in NFL history. By today’s standards, Warner’s performance last year was worth the money as he posted an Approximate Value of 19 — matching the highest score ever recorded by a San Francisco defender according to a Pro Football Reference formula that puts a single number on each player-season across all positions since 1960. Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman (twice) also had seasons with an AV of 19 as they dominate this list of the greatest individual seasons by a linebacker in 49ers history.
