Jauan Jennings is the 49ers player no one is talking about (but should)

The Super Bowl is upon us and the San Francisco 49ers will play the Kansas City Chiefs for the NFL's biggest prize. Marquee names for the 49ers include star running back Christian McCaffrey, talented pass catchers Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and tight end George Kittle.

Quarterback Brock Purdy has gone from Mr. Irrevelant to rather significant himself. However, there is one name on the NFC Champion's roster that is being overlooked perhaps.

In his fourth year with the team, wideout Jauan Jennings has made his own contributions to the 49ers' offense quiet but effectively. On the season, he has averaged almost 14 yards a catch.

Jennings' rookie campaign saw him record five touchdowns on 24 receptions for 282 yards. Despite only having one score in the end zone in his second year, he saw an increase in his receptions and yardage last season, 35 and 416 respectively.

In the Week 2 contest at SoFi Stadium against the Los Angeles Rams, Jennings had two big receptions. One was for 20 yards and the other was for 31.

Jennings' ability to help San Francisco move the chains has been crucial. With 19 receptions on the year for 265 yards and a score, he has served as another weapon for head coach Kyle Shanahan to call upon when needed.

Jennings has had several big yardage receptions including ones for 24, 19, 17, and 22. He also a pair of 18-yard receptions on the 2023 season including one for his only touchdown for the 49ers.

Jennings stepped up in Deebo's absence & in NFC Divisional Round

Deebo Samuel did not play for the 49ers on the road against the Vikings. Jennings saw the most action in that game all season as he had five receptions on nine targets for 61 yards including a 21-yard snag.

The seventh-rounder out of Tennessee had a big game against the Packers in the NFC Divisional Round, as Purdy threw to Jennings six times and completed five of those passes for 61 yards.

Jennings' biggest reception was for 21 yards, but he also had two more for 12 and 16 yards. The third wide receiver may be forgotten out there in a field that boasts McCaffrey, Deebo, Ayiuk, and Kittle.

However, Jennings has shown he is dependable for San Francisco when his number is called upon. Whether another injury (to Deebo or anyone else) takes place or if the 49ers' offense simply look to spread the love in the aerial game, Jennings can be the X-Factor to secure another Super Bowl for San Francisco.