Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Marvin Mims Jr.

Tuesday, July 22, 2:37 PM

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch says the team is "encouraged" about wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's (knee) recovery from the ACL and MCL tears that ended his 2024 season last October. However, Aiyuk is "not anywhere close to having a concrete timeline" to return to practices, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Aiyuk was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list on Friday, which means he can theoretically be activated at any point this offseason. Nevertheless, previous reporting has indicated Aiyuk is unlikely to be ready to go for the start of the regular season. In his absence, San Francisco will rely more heavily on receivers Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, Demarcus Robinson, and Jacob Cowing. Rookie fourth-round wideout Jordan Watkins could also get more of a look in camp.

Tuesday, July 15, 2:50 PM

The Athletic's Nick Kosmider suggests that Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. could be poised for his first 1,000-yard season in 2025 with another year of chemistry with second-year quarterback Bo Nix. Mims was selected in the second round (63rd overall) in 2023 out of Oklahoma, and he's already been a Pro Bowl returner on special teams twice. However, the 23-year-old's progress as a pass-catcher could unlock another element in the Broncos' offense. He showcased his ability to win on contested deep balls -- no example greater than his amazing Week 17 touchdown grab against the Cincinnati Bengals to force overtime. Mims had 434 receiving yards and six touchdowns in his final seven games in 2024 and is probably the favorite for WR2 duties behind Courtland Sutton. For his big-play abilities alone, Mims is worth a bench stash as a WR5/6.