5 bold predictions for 49ers 2020 NFL Draft class
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: Jauan Jennings Leads the 49ers in Red-Zone Touchdowns
On the surface, it seemed like a bit of a surprise the Niners used their final pick in the 2020 NFL Draft on former Tennessee wide receiver Jauan Jennings. After all, Jennings recorded a more-than-sluggish 4.72 40-yard time during the NFL Scouting Combine, and speed is one of Kyle Shanahan’s favorite attributes.
But what Jennings lacks in speed, he makes up for in physicality and broken tackles. He had 30 last year, which led all FBS receivers, according to Pro Football Focus.
Deebo Samuel flashed his strength last season. But one needs to tack on Jennings’ 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame to the mix.
When doing so, it’s not hard to see why Jennings could be a massive red-zone threat.
Those short-area windows within the red zone don’t require a lot of speed, and one has to understand the 49ers weren’t particularly great in this area of the field last season, scoring touchdowns a mere 55.6 percent of the time, which was 20th best.
Jennings could be the go-to target in this area for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, using his strength and elusiveness to get into the end zone, potentially leading the team in this particularly unique category.
While Jennings might not pop up the receiving yards, he could end up getting five or six receiving touchdowns on the year, which would be a massive boost.