The 49ers’ 2020 draft class was officially assigned numbers Tuesday. This is an important moment in each pick’s career, because poor jersey number choice can lead to disaster. The wrong number could put the player at a disadvantage before they ever step on the field.
It’s science. There are good NFL jersey numbers, and bad NFL jersey numbers. A running back wearing a number in the 40s is typically bad. Same for cornerbacks. Defensive linemen with numbers in the 60s are also bound to struggle. The list goes on. Each position has good numbers and bad numbers, and they matter because the science I just made up says so.
Let’s go over the 49ers’ draft picks and their number choices to see how they shook out.
DL Javon Kinlaw, No. 99
This is a good number for a defensive lineman. Edge rushers in 99 are fine, but it works best for interior guys. It’s also a good, aesthetically pleasing number for fans who want to buy a jersey.
Grade: A
WR Brandon Aiyuk, No. 11
There’s a transition happening with No. 11 where it’s working its way up the wide receiver number board and down the quarterback number board. Receivers are starting to where numbers between 10 and 19 more often, and 11 is a strong choice for a receiver choosing from that group of numbers. Aiyuk wore No. 2 in college, and 11 is a nice spin off of that.
Grade: B+
OL Colton McKivitz, No. 68
Offensive line numbers are tougher to evaluate than the skill position spots. There aren’t many downright bad or downright great ones. Numbers in the 70s are preferable, but a number in the high 60s is fine.
Grade: B
TE Charlie Woerner, No. 89
89 is a good tight end number, and a downright bad wide receiver number. There won’t be any confusion about Woerner’s role. He’s in line to be a run blocking tight end, for which 89 is very well suited. Pass catching tight ends’ number quality gets worse the close it gets to 90. The opposite is the case for blocking tight ends.
Grade: A
WR Jauan Jennings, No. 81
This was a really good choice by Jennings for a couple of reasons. First, 81 is just a really good wide receiver number. The juxtaposition between the fullness of the 8 and the narrowness of the 1 is nice, and it’s difficult for a receiver to look bad in it. It also belonged to Terrell Owens and Anquan Boldin when they were with the 49ers. They’re two physical receivers Jennings should at least partially model his game after.
Grade: A
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