49ers mailbag: How does Aiyuk impact receiver depth chart?

This draft-edition mailbag explains how the 49ers' first-round draft picks Javon Kinlaw and Brandon Aiyuk might alleviate this offseason's biggest losses.

Thanks for tuning into this virtual NFL Draft mailbag, where I’ve fielded 49ers’ questions via my Instagram and Twitter chat rooms:

Did you expect the (first-round) outcome? (@alec_parker22)

Not exactly. I projected wide receiver Henry Ruggs, but the Raiders took him in the preceding spot at 12. I also thought cornerback was a big need, and the top two were gone in the top-10. That said, I wasn’t surprised and I do endorse the 49ers’ rationale that led them to fill holes at defensive tackle (Javon Kinlaw) and split-end receiver (Brandon Aiyuk).

Now we wait. No picks left until Saturday’s final three rounds.

Predict the wide receiver depth chart (@2exxcel)

I penciled this out right after Round 1, and it’s subject to change depending on injury comebacks, of course.

Starters: Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk. With tight end George Kittle, you don’t need three wide receivers like other teams. With Aiyuk, you don’t spend a first-rounder on Emmanuel Sanders’ doppelganger and don’t play him.

Backups: Kendrick Bourne, Travis Benjamin, Dante Pettis, Trent Taylor, Jalen Hurd, Richie James Jr., Chris Thompson, Shawn Poindexter. As for Marquise Goodwin, John Lynch said Thursday they’re still searching for a trade partner, so he’s essentially gone. Bourne evolved into an OK option. We’ll have to see who thrives best in the slot, including perhaps one of the following …

Why didn’t the 49ers draft CeeDee Lamb (angry emoji)? (@2benji.medinna)

Because Shanahan had Aiyuk at No. 1, Lamb at No. 2. Why was that? Shanahan raved about Aiyuk’s all-around versatility and physicality. Like Lamb, Aiyuk is a yards-after-catch machine.

You think Kinlaw/Aiyuk is the answer to the absence of Buckner/Sanders? (@2ccold.daedae)

Well, we’re not playing doubles tennis, here. Odds, through no fault of their own, are that Kinlaw and Aiyuk won’t both enjoy a 10-year career like DeForest Buckner and Emmanuel Sanders.

Why are people so upset? Fans complain about DeFo being traded and they found his replacement, and a wide receiver. They can now sign Kittle easy and keep future defensive players. (@lololin86)

A voice of reason! Kittle’s contract extension, however, was not contingent upon this draft. Hopefully that gets done once the 49ers reunite for camp, and hopefully that isn’t too delayed by the pandemic.

More likely to be traded and get us into Day 2: Breida or Pettis? (@jzandhatt)

Neither commands a second- or third-round pick. No running backs have even come off the board, yet, so cheaper, younger options are there instead of Breida, who has a $3.3 million salary. The 49ers want Pettis to bounce back in his third year – with them.

Is there any way we can get rid of Goodwin for any second- or third-round picks at this point. I’m not sure he did enough last year to warrant that high of a pick. (@Q9erlover)

No chance. He’s been openly on the market for at least two months and no takers. John Lynch is hoping, because six wide receivers went in the first round, that will prompt those still seeking a receiver to come calling.

What moves can be made today, or what moves would seem reasonable in order to get a pick in the 2nd or 3rd round? (@_JRS79)

It would likely packaging a starting-caliber player and their highest-remaining pick (fifth round). That worked two years ago when they traded offensive tackle Trent Brown and a fifth for the Patriots’ third-rounder. Problem is, the 49ers are hoarding their starters to make another Super Bowl run with a familiar cast.

Any truth to the rumor you’re moving Jalen Hurd to Tight end? (@ForeAaronf28)

First of all, the 49ers don’t allow me to make personnel moves, that I know of, and, second, we haven’t seen Hurd move on a field in six months because of a back fracture. If healthy, I can see him as a dynamic slot receiver who occasionally also can play tight end.

Love the picks. I wanted Lamb but I understand the team building and I love where we are. I think something big is coming. (@shaunrdillon49)

The Lombardi Trophy dimensions:

Height: 20.75 inches

Weight: 107.3 ounces

Value: Priceless (or $10,000-plus, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame)

Why hasn’t Lynch grown a beard like the rest of us? (@Anthony04315169)

I shaved today. I am a hero inside my household, and nowhere else.