In the midst of a San Francisco 49ers training camp that has unfortunately been centered almost entirely around the "hold-in" status of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, the players who have actually been taking the field day in and day out seem mostly unaffected. In fact, Jauan Jennings—a receiver who would likely see a much larger role should Aiyuk end up being traded—has been thriving.
According to All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel, one of the most respected voices in the 49ers locker room, Jennings has proven to be the most consistent wideout in camp. Considering the source, this is lofty praise for the 27-year-old Jennings, as Samuel typically hasn't been a player known for seeking headline splashes by saying things he doesn't truly believe.
Here's what Deebo had to say about Jennings following Wednesday's practice.
"I wouldn't even say he's improved," Samuel said. "Jauan has been the most consistent receiver that we have. Day in and day out, as far as blocking, going out and making plays, that's why we call it 'Third-and-Jauan.' Just coming in in better shape, ball skills gotten way better. Every time you see Jauan out there he's giving everything he's got, every route, every play."
"Jauan has been the most consistent receiver that we have…as far as blocking, going out & making plays, that's why we call it third-and-Jauan…every time you see Jauan out there, he's giving everything he's got every route, every play." Deebo Samuel on Jauan Jennings (🎥: 49ers) pic.twitter.com/urBcu8dkqn
— zach ragan (@zachTNT) August 8, 2024
Judging by all accounts, Jennings has absolutely been making the most of the extra targets he's seeing and has generally had an outstanding training camp, but this is quite the glowing endorsement and hearing such words from Samuel probably lands a little differently for the fourth-year pro.
While Jennings has become well known for routinely making clutch catches, hence the nickname of "Third and Jauan," his role with the 49ers offense has been understandably limited with Aiyuk and Samuel in front of him on the depth chart, in addition to the presence of tight end George Kittle and star running back Christian McCaffrey, who both see plenty of targets.
Having said all of that, if the 49ers do end up dealing Aiyuk to one of his many suitors, Jennings seeing a major uptick in receptions—he's averaged just 26 catches in his first three seasons—would hardly be a shocking development.
For many of the 49ers fans who badly want Aiyuk to remain with the team but who also see the inevitable writing on the wall, Jennings stepping into a breakout season as WR No. 2 would probably be the best "glass-half-full" approach to a possible Aiyuk departure.