He began the 2024 season as WR3 for the San Francisco 49ers. But Jauan Jennings didn't stay in that role. Thanks, in part, to a season-ending injury to Brandon Aiyuk and a mediocre season from Deebo Samuel, Jennings asserted himself as the 49ers' top wide receiver. But Jennings can also thank himself. His work ethic and mindset have helped him become more than the role player he was when he earned the nickname "Third and Jauan."
49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak, speaking with reporters on Thursday, praised Jennings, highlighting his confidence.
"Yeah, I think, if you ask Jauan, he says 'I'm number one.' And that's his mindset, and that's why we love Jauan. That's how he sees himself. He sees himself as a dominant player. I think you guys all saw last year when he got more chances, he played really, really well. So really fired up about Jauan."
Jennings' 2024 season numbers support Kubiak's sentiments. He recorded a career-high 77 receptions for 975 yards and six touchdowns in only 15 games, averaging 12.7 yards per catch. And if it weren't for the final game of the season, in which it appeared Arizona Cardinals defensive backs were targeting Jennings, he would have surpassed 1,000 yards receiving for the first time in his career. But Jennings was disqualified from the game because of unsportsmanlike conduct penalties on back-to-back plays.
The previous week, Jennings had been fined $11,817 for an altercation against the Detroit Lions. The Cardinals seem to have decided their best chance of beating the 49ers was to have Jennings removed. They accomplished both.
Jennings has had some big moments for the 49ers. He is considered by many as the best blocking wide receiver in the game, but he has also made some huge catches in some big games. Jennings' best game as a pro came in Week 3 of the 2024 season against the Los Angeles Rams, where Jennings achieved career highs with 11 receptions for 175 yards and three touchdowns. He was unguardable that day, highlighted by a big catch that saw him take the ball away from a Rams defender.
Jauan Jennings is playing out of his mind today. Holy smokes. What a catch. pic.twitter.com/WmGE8BaGEc
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 22, 2024
Jennings' journey from a seventh-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft to a key contributor for the 49ers underscores his determination and growth. As the 49ers look ahead, Jennings' continued development and confidence position him as a vital asset in their offensive strategy. And until Brandon Aiyuk can return, the 49ers will continue to rely on Jennings to play like WR1.