NFL Draft: San Francisco 49ers Select WR A.J. Jenkins In The First-Round, Analysis With Stats

With the 30th overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft the San Francisco 49ers selected wide receiver A.J. Jenkins from Illinois.  Jenkins was a surprise pick as the 49ers had a big need at right guard.  Georgia guard Cordy Glenn was still on the draft board but GM Trent Baalke decided to add more depth to the receiving corps. Michael Crabtree, you are now on notice.

Here are Jenkins’ full stats from NFLMocks.com:

Measurables:

6’0″ 190 pounds

4.39 40 yard dash, 12 bench press reps, 38.5 inch vertical, 124 inch broad jump

Round projection: 2nd-4th

Scouting Report

Jenkins really broke out as a junior, especially in the later portion of the season. In four of Illinois’ final five games, Jenkins had a touchdown reception and finished the season with 56 catches for 746 yards and seven touchdowns. He also has some ability in the return game, as he had 22 returns for 490 yards and a touchdown as a true freshman, when he also added 11 receptions for 287 yards and three touchdowns. Jenkins was easily Illinois’ best receiver last year, with more than double the yardage total of Jarred Fayson, who had 355 yards. Here’s what his QB had to say about him:

“He’s a confident player, he loves the competition and is willing to go up against any DB in the country I promise you that, so that’s we like throwing to him,” Scheelhaase said of Jenkins.

Jenkins is a speedy, athletic receiver who should undoubtedly get looks from NFL teams, especially if he continues to improve off of his excellent play in 2010. And, indeed he has supplemented his excellent 2010 season with another nice season in 2011, though marred by inconsistencies.

The senior wide receiver showed excellent playmaking ability this season, but he hasn’t scored a touchdown since early October. He is solid after the catch but really needs to work on being more consistent. In that way, he really reminds me a lot of Brandon Lloyd coming out.