49ers roster: 4 players who are winning depth-chart battles at OTAs
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings
During his rookie-year 2020 campaign, wide receiver Jauan Jennings couldn’t make much of an impression during training camp, which subsequently led to him starting off his pro career on the practice squad before finally emerging as a key third-down weapon last season.
Jennings’ roster spot is likely safe, but his role is very much in the air. Will Kyle Shanahan use the 6-foot-3, 212-pounder as a big-slot option, or will Shanahan opt for the speedy rookie, Danny Gray, who boasts an impressive 4.33 40-yard time?
Probably a combination of both. But if there’s one thing that matters in particular, it’s being able to catch the ball.
They’re called “wide receivers,” after all. Not wide sprinters.
Gray has had issues catching the ball, yet Jennings emerged as a go-to target for quarterback Trey Lance during one particular OTA session, catching each one of his team-high five targets during that practice.
Jennings might not rise any higher than the No. 3 option on the depth chart, but it’s likely he’ll fight off anyone else on the roster trying to claim that position.