It seems one of San Franisco's promising young stars has caught the eye of a 49ers legend. 3-time Super Bowl champion Jerry Rice spoke about Niners rookie Brandon Aiyuk and said he already sees a lot of promise in the Arizona State standout.

“He’s going to get much better,” Rice said, per Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com. “I think, as he gets older, he’s going to continue to develop, and I’m expecting big things from him, to be honest with you. Because I think he has everything where he’s got the route running, where he’s got the hands, that awareness on the football field, and he’s one of those guys that he knows he’s a play-maker and that he could put points on the board at any time.”

Rice acknowledged that the San Francisco's 2020 first round pick still has a lot of room to grow and develop. Nonetheless, he already has big expectations for Aiyuk in the future.

Article Continues Below
More San Francisco 49ers News
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) signals from the line of scrimmage against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium.
NFL rumors: Bills, 49ers among contenders that should seek Tyreek Hill tradeJaren Kawada ·
Sep 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Bryce Huff (0) against the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field. 49ers
Eagles legend Brandon Graham explains Bryce Huff flop after 49ers tradeChristopher Hennessy ·
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan (center) with 49ers center Drake Nugent (left) and Oregon running back Jordan James (right)
3 San Francisco 49ers hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowJaren Kawada ·
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) looks on in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
49ers’ George Kittle admits frustration about rookies for being intimidatedRichard Pereira ·
Oct 23, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan reacts after the 49ers lost a fumble against the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
1 San Francisco 49ers player with most to prove at OTAsJaren Kawada ·
(Left to right) San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54), quarterback Brock Purdy (13), offensive tackle Trent Williams (71), wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19), running back Christian McCaffrey (23), tight end George Kittle (85) celebrate after winning the NFC Championship football game against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium.
Fred Warner shouts out 49ers’ front office for Brock Purdy, George Kittle extensionsZachary Weinberger ·

Rice is undoubtedly the greatest receiver in the history of the franchise. Hearing these words from an all-time great must feel great for a young stud like Aiyuk. Likewise, this could be huge for the confidence of the 22-year old moving forward.

Through seven career games so far, Aiyuk has recorded 28 receptions across 371 yards and scored two touchdowns. Aiyuk showcased his star potential in his last couple of games. He caught six passes for a career-high 115 yards in a dominant win over the New England Patriots in Week 7 and a recorded a career-best eight catches for 91 yards and a touchdown to boot the following week.

To say Brandon Aiyuk needs to do a lot more to catch Rice is an understatement. The Hall-of-Famer's career featured 1,549 receptions, 22,895 receiving yards, and 197 receiving touchdowns. Nonetheless, the future is definitely bright for the Niners rookie.