Brandon Aiyuk

Brandon Aiyuk praises 49ers' rookie WRs for ‘great' training camp

Share
NBC Universal, Inc.

Brandon Aiyuk is liking what he's seeing from 49ers' rookie wide receivers Ronnie Bell and Isaiah Winstead.

Speaking with reporters Friday, the 25-year-old shared his thoughts on how Bell and Winstead have performed so far in training camp.

"I think both our young guys came in and have done a great job right now," Aiyuk said. "They challenged Ronnie for the past couple, [49ers wide receiver coach Leonard Hankerson] has been on him since OTAs and he's kind of came along the past few days here, he had a good two days here.

"And then Zay, he's been putting his head down, working, doing a good job. So I'm excited to see those guys in a preseason game. Definitely excited for them and their opportunity."

NBC Sports Bay Area's Jennifer Lee Chan reported Bell has been getting reps with the first team, which is evidence the coaching staff is liking what they are seeing from the 23-year-old. Bell also could be slotted in as the kick returner, after Ray-Ray McCloud fractured his wrist.

Meanwhile, Winstead currently has a lot of competition ahead of him on the 49ers' depth chart.

San Francisco 49ers

Find the latest San Francisco 49ers news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.

Why Packers RB Jacobs presents ‘unique' challenge for 49ers' defense

Shanahan reveals why 49ers QB Purdy exited practice

With so many different options for San Francisco this season, having Bell and Winstead performing well or even better than expected can only make 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan's job that much easier.

Along with doing well in training camp, Bell and Winstead were given a shocking surprise from Deebo Samuel -- when the 49ers' veteran gave the rookies a $15,000 dinner bill in Las Vegas. Thankfully for the youngsters, Samuel was just pulling a prank.

RELATED: 49ers training camp battle: WR depth competition heating up

As training camp rolls along, it's becoming clearer what impact the rookies will have as the 49ers prepare for the start of the 2023 NFL season.

And Aiyuk has a front-row seat to the rookies' progression and he's liking what he sees.


Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast

Contact Us