By Jacob Bugarin
The 49ers WR room has been very different this year with Brandon Aiyuk being out for the year and underperforming in the offense. Brock Purdy has found his new favorite target in number 15 Jauan Jennings. But where did this guy come from?
Jauan Jennings Path to the Draft
Jauan Jennings attended the University of Tennessee for 5 years, where he put up 2,153 yards and 19 touchdowns. During the draft combine (where players do drills such as the 40 yard dash), he didn’t have the best results.
Jauan Jennings ran a 4.72 second 40 yard, which is pretty slow for a wide receiver (the average wide receiver runs a 4.48 second). His scouting report wasn’t the best either. Scouts said he “lacked speed and quickness” and “struggles in press coverage.” Despite all of that, he was drafted in the 7th round pick 217 by the San Francisco 49ers in 2020.
From practice squad to a starter
Jauan’s first season with the 49ers was a struggle, where he was cut from the 53 man roster, but was signed to the 49ers practice squad. His next season, he impressed the 49ers coaches by being able to make the 53 man roster in 2021. His blocking and effort was a huge reason why he made the team in 2021. In that year, he would have 282 yards and 5 touchdowns.
In both seasons, 2022 and 2023, Jennings would be the best blocker on the 49ers where he would drive defenders to the ground. Also, he would earn the nickname 3rd and Jauan for making clutch catches on 3rd downs.
The Super Bowl is where he made a name for himself. He would throw for a touchdown and score a touchdown in the Super Bowl. Then, he would earn himself a two-year, 15 million extension.
This season he had a breakout game against the Los Angeles Rams, going for 175 yards and 3 touchdowns in one game. Now, with Brandon Aiyuk being out for the year, the 49ers WR core consists of Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, and rookie Ricky Pearsall. Though many would say Deebo is WR1, he really isn’t because he is more of an everything guy where he can play running back and receiver. But as a receiver, Jauan Jennings is the WR1.
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