In an ideal world, wide receiver Jauan Jennings would approach training camp with a full head of steam, prepared to resume a key role in the San Francisco 49ers offense.
Things aren't always ideal, though.
Jennings reportedly is demanding either an extension or a trade as he enters the final year of his contract, one that'll pay him up to $7.5 million this season -- a comparative bargain in contrast to the role he held in 2024.
Additional reports state he's planning on showing up to training camp, which would avoid hefty fines. Yet that doesn't automatically equate to him participating in team drills.
If Jennings stages what's become known as a "hold-in," there's one undrafted rookie receiver who might benefit the most from the veteran's standoff.
Isaiah Neyor can take advantage if Jauan Jennings skips training camp
Undrafted rookie Isaiah Neyor out of Nebraska already caught the eye of tight end George Kittle, thanks to the 6-foot-4 and 218-pound first-year pro's massive strides and ability to cover ground with little effort.
As a UDFA, though, Neyor's path to the 53-man roster will be challenging, even if the Niners' back end of the receiving depth chart is thin. Behind Jennings and second-year pros Jauan Jennings and Jacob Cowing, San Francisco can essentially count on a large crop of unknowns and fringe players on its 90-man offseason roster, at least until No. 1 wideout Brandon Aiyuk returns from offseason ACL and MCL recovery.
Neyor is squarely in that group. However, during practices and if Jennings isn't participating, the big-bodied rookie has the advantage of emulating the also-large-but-slower 6-foot-3 and 212-pound Jennings.
The would-be increase in reps potentially could do wonders for Neyor, who'd otherwise likely see time with third- and fourth-string units.
Provided the undrafted standout takes advantage of those chances, it could mean a direct ticket to cracking the regular-season roster come Week 1.