Brandon Aiyuk is the 49ers' Most Underrated Player

Brandon Aiyuk is not a star. And when teams game plan for the 49ers, he's probably the last offensive weapon they worry about. Some of these opponents probably don't really understand what Aiyuk can do.

He never has been to a Pro Bowl, and he has only 3 touchdowns this season, another reason he flies under the radar. Plus he plays on the same team as Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle -- three legitimate stars. Aiyuk is the fourth guy. He's George Harrison.

But Aiyuk is the most unique of the 49ers' offensive weapons, because he's a real receiver. The other three are hybrid players who are extremely difficult to tackle when they have the ball. Kyle Shanahan schemes them open and lets them do the rest.

Shanahan doesn't scheme Aiyuk open -- Aiyuk gets himself open. Routinely. With ease. He is an elite route runner, as good at running routes and getting open as any wide receiver in the NFL. And he's a true downfield threat, considering he averages a whopping 14 yards before the catch this season while playing with a quarterback in Brock Purdy who doesn't throw deep.

But Aiyuk isn't just a finesse receiver who can get open. He's also tough. Not afraid to catch passes over the middle and take hits in the process. Not afraid to block, either. In fact, he likes blocking and he's good at it, as opposed to Deebo Samuel, who couldn't be bothered.

Aiyuk is one of the few players on the 49ers who plays angry. He almost always has a sour expression on his face, like he wants to hit someone. The 49ers offense feeds off his intensity.

So while the rest of the NFL focuses on stopping the 49ers' YAC threats, Aiyuk will continue making their cornerbacks look silly while no one seems to notice.