With The First Pick
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San Francisco 49ers trade up to 25 to select Brandon Aiyuk

By Nicholas McGee

SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 15: Brandon Aiyuk #2 of the Arizona State Sun Devils scores a touchdown in the first half against the San Diego State Aztecs at SDCCU Stadium on September 15, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 15: Brandon Aiyuk #2 of the Arizona State Sun Devils scores a touchdown in the first half against the San Diego State Aztecs at SDCCU Stadium on September 15, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images) /
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The San Francisco 49ers were widely expected to trade back from the 31st overall pick, but instead they traded up to take Brandon Aiyuk

It was deemed a near-certainty that the San Francisco 49ers would trade down from their second first-round pick, No.31 overall, but they decided to do opposite, moving up five spots and selected Arizona State wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

By using this selection, the 49ers – unless they can trade a player or future pick for some extra capital this year – will not be back on the clock until the fifth round.

That perhaps illustrates how highly they think of Aiyuk, though there is likely to be unease among the fanbase about the lack of day-two picks.

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However, with the selection of Aiyuk, following the pick of Javon Kinlaw at the 14th pick in the draft, the 49ers have added two premium prospects to a roster that was already arguably the best in the NFL.

The Niners have nailed fifth-round picks in recent years, selecting George Kittle in 2017 and Dre Greenlaw in 2019. That track record suggests they a decent chance of hitting on picks 156 and 176 in that round on Saturday.

But the success of this draft for the 49ers will hinge on whether they are correct in their seemingly bullish assessments of Kinlaw and Aiyuk.

Should San Francisco be vindicated in staying put and selecting this duo in the first round then the Niners will be in an excellent position to return to the Super Bowl following their heartbreaking defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs in February.

Next. 49ers select Javon Kinlaw after swapping with Bucs. dark

The Niners haven’t taken too many risks in the draft in recent years. Not trading back for day-two picks represents a significant gamble that they will hope pays massive dividends.