Wide receiver Jauan Jennings, a seventh-round pick out of the University of Tennessee, became the second member of the 49ers’ 2020 draft class to sign his rookie deal. Offensive lineman Colton McKivitz was the first to do so.
Jennings had an up-and-down start to his career with the Volunteers, but finished as a team captain in his final season. That was also his best year with 59 catches, 969 yards and eight touchdowns — all career highs.
There’s a chance Jennings becomes one of the biggest steals in this year’s draft after he slid due in part to his 4.72 40-yard dash. That may also be what keeps him from having an impact in the NFL.
However, there are a lot of traits to like about the former Volunteer. He’s widely lauded for his competitive nature and he’s very good at the catch point and after the catch. He averaged a broken tackle on 51 percent of his receptions in 2019 to lead all of college football last season per Pro Football Focus.
A player that breaks tackles at that rate and competes hard on contested throws could easily carve out a role in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Jennings will be one of the most intriguing players to watch in a crowded receiving corps.
The players still waiting to sign their rookie deals are first-round picks Javon Kinlaw and Brandon Aiyuk, and sixth-round pick Charlie Woerner.
