How 49ers rookie WR Aiyuk joined OBJ in rare, elite company

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The 49ers have flirted with the idea of trading for Odell Beckham Jr. in the past, but it appears they might already have the next iteration of the star receiver. 

After setting multiple career highs Sunday in the 49ers' 23-15 loss to the Washington Football Team, Brandon Aiyuk joined Beckham in rare company. As noted by the Associated Press' Josh Dubow, Aiyuk joined Beckham as the only rookie to have at least five receptions and at least 75 yards in five straight games since the merger. Beckham did so in nine games back in 2014. 

Beckham finished his rookie year with an absurd 91 receptions, 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns in only 12 games. He led the NFL in receiving yards per game at 108.8. Aiyuk has been great as a rookie, but OBJ's first year as a pro truly was on another level. 

Through 10 games, Aiyuk now has 50 receptions for 660 yards and four touchdowns. He also has added another two TDs on the ground. While he isn't on pace to catch OBJ's rookie year, he could pass the G.O.A.T. 

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Jerry Rice owns the 49ers rookie record for receiving yards with 927. Aiyuk needs 268 more yards to break the all-time great's record. The Arizona State product would need to play all three of the 49ers' remaining games and average 89 yards per contest. 

Rice hopes Aiyuk does break his record, too. 

"Hell yeah!" Rice said Monday morning on 95.7 The Game's "The Morning Roast" when asked if he wants Aiyuk to break his 49ers rookie receiving yards record. "Of course. And I'll be the first one to congratulate this guy."

Aiyuk looks like a future star for Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers. If his career can start anything close to how Beckham's did statistically, a lot of San Francisco's past issues will be resolved. 

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