49ers roster: 3 most overhyped rookies entering training camp
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: 49ers Wide Receiver Jauan Jennings
Did the Niners get a steal with their final pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, Tennessee wide receiver Jauan Jennings?
Yes.
More from Niner Noise
- 49ers 2023 NFL Draft tracker: Pick-by-pick news and analysis
- Predicting 49ers NFL Draft picks by looking at final mocks
- DraftKings NFL Draft Promo – Win $150 Guaranteed on Any $5 Bet
- 2023 NFL Draft: EDGE Byron Young could be impact player for 49ers
- 5 low-key NFL Draft options for 49ers who are flying under the radar
Is he a bit overhyped?
Yes.
These two things can be equally true. In fact, one Pro Football Focus mock (h/t 24/7 Sports) had Jennings as a first-round selection. If it weren’t for his drastically sluggish 4.72 40-yard time at the NFL Combine, a first- or second-round grab might not have been out of the question.
Particularly for a player who broke 30 tackles on his 59 receptions last season.
Jennings has a lot of feistiness. And there’s little doubting his 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame would do good in Kyle Shanahan’s offense, particularly when considering many of his other receivers are on the smaller size and possess more finesse than brute strength.
But Jennings still has a bit too much trouble getting off the line of scrimmage to suggest he’ll immediately provide a sizable impact like many think he’ll do. Thankfully, those are coachable traits. Yet they ultimately could turn into a time-consuming project instead of an immediate impact player for which the Niners are hoping.
Next. 3 Canadians the 49ers should target in 2021 NFL Draft. dark
Simply put, Jennings has a lot in his toolbox to be excellent. But he also has a long, long way to go to get there.