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49ers NFL Draft: Predicting each rookie selection’s impact in 2020

By Safa Shooshtry

Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina Gamecocks (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina Gamecocks (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
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San Francisco 49ers
Jauan Jennings #15 of the Tennessee Volunteers (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Wide Receiver Jauan Jennings

In the seventh round with the 217th overall pick, the 49ers selected wide receiver Jauan Jennings out of Tennessee. This pick came a bit of surprise as defensive back was a needed position for the 49ers, and they had yet to select one up to this point.

Lynch and Shanahan had other plans, though. And as far as speculation goes, they might be waiting until 2021 to select a cornerback with a higher draft pick. But in any case, they ended up taking Jennings.

Jennings’ big red flag in the draft was his speed. He ran a 4.72 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. However, he is a big receiver standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 215 pounds.

So while he was not smoking opposing defensive backs to get open downfield, he was adept at making big catches in contested situations. Just as well, he could break tackles and pick up yards after the catch.

Jennings should have a spot as the slot receiver in the 49ers offense. He could prove to be an asset at converting third downs. Think wide receiver Trent Taylor in his rookie season, but a bigger frame.

Jennings should be able to make contested catches across the middle of the field as well as be a red-zone threat. Look for him to have something in the area of 50 receptions, 600 yards and five touchdowns for the 2020 season.