"3rd and Jauan" Jennings l WR Tennessee, signs with Vikings

Originally posted by CatchMaster80:

Originally posted by Heroism:
Bringing up Jerry Rice's 40 time is so dumb. People do realize his times were taken during an era in which electronic timing did not exist? A time in which players did not spend months with speed coaches refining the mechanics of the 40-yard dash. A time when old farts with dinosaur reflexes used hand timers to "time" athletes.

If you think Jerry Rice would be a 4.7 athlete today, you're dumb. Period. This applies to all these before the 2000's. Stop referencing those times.

That's true but hand times could be faster or slower. That's why they went to electronic timing because they would get such a disparity between stop watches. Someone pointed out that even today times can vary from one run to the other. Sometimes you can see a guy run 4.5 and then run 4.45 or 4.58. It really depends on the start which can change a 40 time by half a second. This is all really crazy since as you pointed out, they train for the combine and even drop weight to get better times. The speed often doesn't carry over to the actual playing field. You often hear that a player doesn't play like a 4.35 guy and you also hear that a guy that ran 4.6 plays much faster. The games are all that really count.

Thats not true.. this is Jerry Rice we are talking about. To say he was not getting better, especially before the NFL draft is blasphemy

Today I will do what others won't, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can't. - JR

Originally posted by Heroism:
Bringing up Jerry Rice's 40 time is so dumb. People do realize his times were taken during an era in which electronic timing did not exist? A time in which players did not spend months with speed coaches refining the mechanics of the 40-yard dash. A time when old farts with dinosaur reflexes used hand timers to "time" athletes.

If you think Jerry Rice would be a 4.7 athlete today, you're dumb. Period. This applies to all these before the 2000's. Stop referencing those times.

Originally posted by wailers15:
Don't need a link. Just watching the training camp highlight vids... I notice a lot of drops or is it fantastic D.
Look I'm just being real... not going to hold my breath here on this cat. I hope he does well but given the depth I just don't see him making much of an impact

Kid had 4 drops last yr in college...for reference Lamb had 3, Aiuyk had 6, Jeudy at 7.

I think you've see like one "highlight clip" of him missing a contested catch I haven't seen one report that questions his hands during TC.

I mean I don't think anyone is shouting that he's gonna be a pro-bowler. I think he makes the squad which is a good start for a 7th rd pick on a Super Bowl team.

Originally posted by AFVolunteer:
I possibly re-started this hype with my insanely long post, and while I said it was admittedly biased, I re-read it and it was maybe a bit too positive? So here's possibly a more balanced, albeit rambling post. First off, I don't expect him to break all those tackles in the league. Hell I don't expect him to even start, or possibly even get much PT at all especially early on. But if I had to bet $$, I'd count on him making the team and contributing somehow, and while I don't follow the league like I do college, I'd call that a win for a 7th round draft pick if it happens. Jennings to me seems like a guy that's gonna help your team. He's not going to drag linebackers and DBs around like he did in college, but I think he'll provide value by his special teams play, his blocking as a WR, his infectious attitude, and the ability to give you some decent WR play. Unfortunately for Jauan, the last one is probably the most important for him to make the roster, and probably where he's the weakest. To those that asked can he catch, will he bobble in the pros, you're absolutely right....that is where he will make the team or get cut.

Again I'll add, if he's not getting hit in practice (and thus other guys aren't getting hit), he's not going to shine as much as other guys. One of his strengths is the ability to catch and absorb contact and that won't show up at all in non/limited contact practices. Speedsters will look better, Jauan will not look as good, until full hits and tackles start happening, so it's probably wise to view any practice reports with that context.

Those highlight films obviously won't be replicated in the pros. But that was my point about 3d down possession usage and his leading the nation in broken tackles. Of course he can't/won't do any of that in the NFL and he has a lot of physical limitations, which is probably a huge reason he fell all the way to the 7th. But I say again, you can't do any of that, even in college, without having some sort of above average skill level, all of his negatives notwithstanding. Expectations should be greatly tempered for folks expecting him to look anything like those highlights in the pros, and comparisons to Fitzgerald and the like are just likely setting everyone up for disappointment. But if he just makes the team and gives you some valuable play, isn't that a win for a 7th rounder? Not following the NFL much like I said, how often do 7th round picks even make their team...I genuinely don't know?

I saw someone mention how much more athletic and physical Jalen Hurd is than Jennings. That argument is a microcosm of the difference between the two players. Hurd is absolutely more talented and skilled. On their best days, it's no contest and why they were both drafted where they each were. Physicality though.....pfffffft. Jennings will be at the next practice, while Hurd will not. I know the ACL tear was a fluke, and it could happen to Jauan today, but that's not a surprise to any Volunteer fan. All the measurables and times and hand size in the world don't do any good if you can't do the same with the pads on. That is where Jennings' hidden value lies I think, and where you should all hope he can replicate it somewhat in the NFL and if so, you'll have outfoxed all the other teams with a somewhat sleeper pick late. And I say again, if not, it's probably no huge loss for Niner fans....he's a 7th rounder, right?!

I'll leave with one more thought on Jennings. Despite all the positives I talked about from him, can he consistently catch the football? He didn't have a ton of drops last year, but he did bobble more wide open passes than he should have and many of those will = a TO (or punt at best) in the NFL while it just turned into an offensive highlight in college. It's like having a QB that can wow you 75% of the time, but 25% of the time he misses a wide open target. Has insane highlights in college, but that QB won't stand a chance in the NFL, despite having all the arm strength in the world. You can't miss wide up receivers in the pros. This is where I see Jauan making or missing his calling as a pro. Behavior, slowness, lack of size, etc. I'd tend to discount most if not all of that, he can still possibly contribute quite a bit in spite of these flaws based on all the positives I and others have offered up. But can he consistently make clean catches? If not, all of his positives likely won't cut it. If he CAN do that though, then I think you guys found a bit of a gem in the 7th round.

Yeah being objective I think he's got a chance to make the team which is pretty darn good for a 7th rd pick on a SB roster. I can see him on STs and working the slot. If he an turn into a Sanu type WR under Shanahan I'll consider that a massive find.

Like you said what he's good at doesn't really show up in practice. He's a solid route-runner, with solid hands, and he hates to be tackled...I'm sure Kyle can find a way to use him lol.

His sub-par hands are visible on college tape. Jared Mayden actually got him a few times. Also too many bobbles on wide open catches.

Still, I think he is a valuable asset, especially given the WR situation. Also - no one has been talking about that - he can be deployed in wildcat if needed.

Originally posted by AFVolunteer:

Originally posted by Joecool:

He's being pumped up as if he's going to recreate those highlights in the NFL. He's not. Physical play was his college strength. Okay, that's fine, but if he can't get AS physical as he did in college, then he better have decent speed. Sanu ran a 4.4 when he was drafted. Need to stop making these comparisons because Jauan is lacking a lot of what these other proven receivers have.

I just don't see it working other than maybe twice a game to gain a couple of yards. LB's have no problem tackling 220lb WRs.

I possibly re-started this hype with my insanely long post, and while I said it was admittedly biased, I re-read it and it was maybe a bit too positive? So here's possibly a more balanced, albeit rambling post. First off, I don't expect him to break all those tackles in the league. Hell I don't expect him to even start, or possibly even get much PT at all especially early on. But if I had to bet $$, I'd count on him making the team and contributing somehow, and while I don't follow the league like I do college, I'd call that a win for a 7th round draft pick if it happens. Jennings to me seems like a guy that's gonna help your team. He's not going to drag linebackers and DBs around like he did in college, but I think he'll provide value by his special teams play, his blocking as a WR, his infectious attitude, and the ability to give you some decent WR play. Unfortunately for Jauan, the last one is probably the most important for him to make the roster, and probably where he's the weakest. To those that asked can he catch, will he bobble in the pros, you're absolutely right....that is where he will make the team or get cut.

Again I'll add, if he's not getting hit in practice (and thus other guys aren't getting hit), he's not going to shine as much as other guys. One of his strengths is the ability to catch and absorb contact and that won't show up at all in non/limited contact practices. Speedsters will look better, Jauan will not look as good, until full hits and tackles start happening, so it's probably wise to view any practice reports with that context.

Those highlight films obviously won't be replicated in the pros. But that was my point about 3d down possession usage and his leading the nation in broken tackles. Of course he can't/won't do any of that in the NFL and he has a lot of physical limitations, which is probably a huge reason he fell all the way to the 7th. But I say again, you can't do any of that, even in college, without having some sort of above average skill level, all of his negatives notwithstanding. Expectations should be greatly tempered for folks expecting him to look anything like those highlights in the pros, and comparisons to Fitzgerald and the like are just likely setting everyone up for disappointment. But if he just makes the team and gives you some valuable play, isn't that a win for a 7th rounder? Not following the NFL much like I said, how often do 7th round picks even make their team...I genuinely don't know?

I saw someone mention how much more athletic and physical Jalen Hurd is than Jennings. That argument is a microcosm of the difference between the two players. Hurd is absolutely more talented and skilled. On their best days, it's no contest and why they were both drafted where they each were. Physicality though.....pfffffft. Jennings will be at the next practice, while Hurd will not. I know the ACL tear was a fluke, and it could happen to Jauan today, but that's not a surprise to any Volunteer fan. All the measurables and times and hand size in the world don't do any good if you can't do the same with the pads on. That is where Jennings' hidden value lies I think, and where you should all hope he can replicate it somewhat in the NFL and if so, you'll have outfoxed all the other teams with a somewhat sleeper pick late. And I say again, if not, it's probably no huge loss for Niner fans....he's a 7th rounder, right?!

I'll leave with one more thought on Jennings. Despite all the positives I talked about from him, can he consistently catch the football? He didn't have a ton of drops last year, but he did bobble more wide open passes than he should have and many of those will = a TO (or punt at best) in the NFL while it just turned into an offensive highlight in college. It's like having a QB that can wow you 75% of the time, but 25% of the time he misses a wide open target. Has insane highlights in college, but that QB won't stand a chance in the NFL, despite having all the arm strength in the world. You can't miss wide up receivers in the pros. This is where I see Jauan making or missing his calling as a pro. Behavior, slowness, lack of size, etc. I'd tend to discount most if not all of that, he can still possibly contribute quite a bit in spite of these flaws based on all the positives I and others have offered up. But can he consistently make clean catches? If not, all of his positives likely won't cut it. If he CAN do that though, then I think you guys found a bit of a gem in the 7th round.

Fantastic post, and describes in detail my exact thoughts and expectations for Jennings.

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Yeah being objective I think he's got a chance to make the team which is pretty darn good for a 7th rd pick on a SB roster. I can see him on STs and working the slot. If he an turn into a Sanu type WR under Shanahan I'll consider that a massive find.

Like you said what he's good at doesn't really show up in practice. He's a solid route-runner, with solid hands, and he hates to be tackled...I'm sure Kyle can find a way to use him lol.

He's what the experts like to call... a "gamer"

Whether Rice ran a 4.45 or 4.55 or a 4.6 isn't important. Various people had him at all those times which is what happens with hand timing. The real point here is that he wan't considered a real burner even in his era but you rarely saw him caught from behind. He had game speed and enough moves to get open anywhere on the field. When running a sprint of ant length, the start makes a huge difference in your time but doesn't always reflect your actual running speed. People get so worked up over 100ths of a second as if it was the biggest factor in determining how good a receiver will be. If a player is good then it doesn't matter. Obviously if you go to the extreme, a player that runs 4.8 or 4.9 would have a harder time than one the runs in the 4.4-4.55 range where most receivers fall. He would need to be physical in order to get off the line.

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by Joecool:
He's being pumped up as if he's going to recreate those highlights in the NFL. He's not. Physical play was his college strength. Okay, that's fine, but if he can't get AS physical as he did in college, then he better have decent speed. Sanu ran a 4.4 when he was drafted. Need to stop making these comparisons because Jauan is lacking a lot of what these other proven receivers have.

I just don't see it working other than maybe twice a game to gain a couple of yards. LB's have no problem tackling 220lb WRs.

Frist off Mohamed Sanu ran a 4.67 I have no idea where you're getting 4.4 it's a perfectly solid comp IMO.

https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/mohamed-sanu

YOU said he wasn't a big WR, I then asked if you thought Sanu/Nuk/Thomas were considered "big"? The reason Thomas dropped in the draft is because he ran a 4.57. He is not fast either.

I'm also not comping him to Nuk/Thomas skill wise (that's silly)...I'm just showing you he's just as big (if not bigger) then those guys. They also most certainly don't rely on straight line speed either...Nuk/Thomas are a contested catch machines. Same s**t with Keenan Allen (ran a 4.7) he relies on route-running and contested catches in the slot. Jennings from what I've seen and read is he's a pretty damn good route-runner out of the slot.

So LBers are gonna lineup vs him in the slot? I sure hope so because that creates a miss match elsewhere. I'll feed Kittle or run the ball in that situation. He will have nickel DBs more than likely across from him.

He should have a role on this team IMO. A big one? that's is to TBD

Sanu had a disappointing 40 time of 4.67 at the Combine, but improved on that at his Pro Day with a time in the 4.4s. He performed well in the field-receiving drills at both events.

Originally posted by CatchMaster80:
Whether Rice ran a 4.45 or 4.55 or a 4.6 isn't important. Various people had him at all those times which is what happens with hand timing. The real point here is that he wan't considered a real burner even in his era but you rarely saw him caught from behind. He had game speed and enough moves to get open anywhere on the field. When running a sprint of ant length, the start makes a huge difference in your time but doesn't always reflect your actual running speed. People get so worked up over 100ths of a second as if it was the biggest factor in determining how good a receiver will be. If a player is good then it doesn't matter. Obviously if you go to the extreme, a player that runs 4.8 or 4.9 would have a harder time than one the runs in the 4.4-4.55 range where most receivers fall. He would need to be physical in order to get off the line.

I'm just saying, let's not get all exciting thinking he's going to be trucking guys when he's only 220 unless he carries that 4.6 forty with pads. THAT will put him on an even playing field.

Originally posted by AFVolunteer:

Originally posted by Joecool:
He's being pumped up as if he's going to recreate those highlights in the NFL. He's not. Physical play was his college strength. Okay, that's fine, but if he can't get AS physical as he did in college, then he better have decent speed. Sanu ran a 4.4 when he was drafted. Need to stop making these comparisons because Jauan is lacking a lot of what these other proven receivers have.

I just don't see it working other than maybe twice a game to gain a couple of yards. LB's have no problem tackling 220lb WRs.

I possibly re-started this hype with my insanely long post, and while I said it was admittedly biased, I re-read it and it was maybe a bit too positive? So here's possibly a more balanced, albeit rambling post. First off, I don't expect him to break all those tackles in the league. Hell I don't expect him to even start, or possibly even get much PT at all especially early on. But if I had to bet $$, I'd count on him making the team and contributing somehow, and while I don't follow the league like I do college, I'd call that a win for a 7th round draft pick if it happens. Jennings to me seems like a guy that's gonna help your team. He's not going to drag linebackers and DBs around like he did in college, but I think he'll provide value by his special teams play, his blocking as a WR, his infectious attitude, and the ability to give you some decent WR play. Unfortunately for Jauan, the last one is probably the most important for him to make the roster, and probably where he's the weakest. To those that asked can he catch, will he bobble in the pros, you're absolutely right....that is where he will make the team or get cut.

Again I'll add, if he's not getting hit in practice (and thus other guys aren't getting hit), he's not going to shine as much as other guys. One of his strengths is the ability to catch and absorb contact and that won't show up at all in non/limited contact practices. Speedsters will look better, Jauan will not look as good, until full hits and tackles start happening, so it's probably wise to view any practice reports with that context.

Those highlight films obviously won't be replicated in the pros. But that was my point about 3d down possession usage and his leading the nation in broken tackles. Of course he can't/won't do any of that in the NFL and he has a lot of physical limitations, which is probably a huge reason he fell all the way to the 7th. But I say again, you can't do any of that, even in college, without having some sort of above average skill level, all of his negatives notwithstanding. Expectations should be greatly tempered for folks expecting him to look anything like those highlights in the pros, and comparisons to Fitzgerald and the like are just likely setting everyone up for disappointment. But if he just makes the team and gives you some valuable play, isn't that a win for a 7th rounder? Not following the NFL much like I said, how often do 7th round picks even make their team...I genuinely don't know?

I saw someone mention how much more athletic and physical Jalen Hurd is than Jennings. That argument is a microcosm of the difference between the two players. Hurd is absolutely more talented and skilled. On their best days, it's no contest and why they were both drafted where they each were. Physicality though.....pfffffft. Jennings will be at the next practice, while Hurd will not. I know the ACL tear was a fluke, and it could happen to Jauan today, but that's not a surprise to any Volunteer fan. All the measurables and times and hand size in the world don't do any good if you can't do the same with the pads on. That is where Jennings' hidden value lies I think, and where you should all hope he can replicate it somewhat in the NFL and if so, you'll have outfoxed all the other teams with a somewhat sleeper pick late. And I say again, if not, it's probably no huge loss for Niner fans....he's a 7th rounder, right?!

I'll leave with one more thought on Jennings. Despite all the positives I talked about from him, can he consistently catch the football? He didn't have a ton of drops last year, but he did bobble more wide open passes than he should have and many of those will = a TO (or punt at best) in the NFL while it just turned into an offensive highlight in college. It's like having a QB that can wow you 75% of the time, but 25% of the time he misses a wide open target. Has insane highlights in college, but that QB won't stand a chance in the NFL, despite having all the arm strength in the world. You can't miss wide up receivers in the pros. This is where I see Jauan making or missing his calling as a pro. Behavior, slowness, lack of size, etc. I'd tend to discount most if not all of that, he can still possibly contribute quite a bit in spite of these flaws based on all the positives I and others have offered up. But can he consistently make clean catches? If not, all of his positives likely won't cut it. If he CAN do that though, then I think you guys found a bit of a gem in the 7th round.

No one saying he won't make the team. He will. But right now, he is so one-dimensional that he will rarely play because Kyle doesn't like to give away his hand with personnel. And when he does play, he will be just a regular WR, unless he gains about 15 or so more pounds. I'd rather have him at 4.6 235 than 4.5 210.

Bourne sure has improved every year.

maybe this guy can follow him?

If you haven't watched his You Tube highlight video "The Dawg", you need to. I hear a lot of talk about JJ's lack of speed...watch the video and then figure out if whatever he runs will work in the NFL. I say it will. He's got sure hands and knows what to do with the ball once it's secured. He breaks tackles and surely seems to have enough speed to make big gains and score TD's...and the SEC is full of speedy guys in the secondary. I think he'll make an impact his first season.
..

Lol he's the number one receiver coming into the season.

Originally posted by OnTheClock:

Originally posted by AFVolunteer:

Originally posted by Joecool:

He's being pumped up as if he's going to recreate those highlights in the NFL. He's not. Physical play was his college strength. Okay, that's fine, but if he can't get AS physical as he did in college, then he better have decent speed. Sanu ran a 4.4 when he was drafted. Need to stop making these comparisons because Jauan is lacking a lot of what these other proven receivers have.

I just don't see it working other than maybe twice a game to gain a couple of yards. LB's have no problem tackling 220lb WRs.

I possibly re-started this hype with my insanely long post, and while I said it was admittedly biased, I re-read it and it was maybe a bit too positive? So here's possibly a more balanced, albeit rambling post. First off, I don't expect him to break all those tackles in the league. Hell I don't expect him to even start, or possibly even get much PT at all especially early on. But if I had to bet $$, I'd count on him making the team and contributing somehow, and while I don't follow the league like I do college, I'd call that a win for a 7th round draft pick if it happens. Jennings to me seems like a guy that's gonna help your team. He's not going to drag linebackers and DBs around like he did in college, but I think he'll provide value by his special teams play, his blocking as a WR, his infectious attitude, and the ability to give you some decent WR play. Unfortunately for Jauan, the last one is probably the most important for him to make the roster, and probably where he's the weakest. To those that asked can he catch, will he bobble in the pros, you're absolutely right....that is where he will make the team or get cut.

Again I'll add, if he's not getting hit in practice (and thus other guys aren't getting hit), he's not going to shine as much as other guys. One of his strengths is the ability to catch and absorb contact and that won't show up at all in non/limited contact practices. Speedsters will look better, Jauan will not look as good, until full hits and tackles start happening, so it's probably wise to view any practice reports with that context.

Those highlight films obviously won't be replicated in the pros. But that was my point about 3d down possession usage and his leading the nation in broken tackles. Of course he can't/won't do any of that in the NFL and he has a lot of physical limitations, which is probably a huge reason he fell all the way to the 7th. But I say again, you can't do any of that, even in college, without having some sort of above average skill level, all of his negatives notwithstanding. Expectations should be greatly tempered for folks expecting him to look anything like those highlights in the pros, and comparisons to Fitzgerald and the like are just likely setting everyone up for disappointment. But if he just makes the team and gives you some valuable play, isn't that a win for a 7th rounder? Not following the NFL much like I said, how often do 7th round picks even make their team...I genuinely don't know?

I saw someone mention how much more athletic and physical Jalen Hurd is than Jennings. That argument is a microcosm of the difference between the two players. Hurd is absolutely more talented and skilled. On their best days, it's no contest and why they were both drafted where they each were. Physicality though.....pfffffft. Jennings will be at the next practice, while Hurd will not. I know the ACL tear was a fluke, and it could happen to Jauan today, but that's not a surprise to any Volunteer fan. All the measurables and times and hand size in the world don't do any good if you can't do the same with the pads on. That is where Jennings' hidden value lies I think, and where you should all hope he can replicate it somewhat in the NFL and if so, you'll have outfoxed all the other teams with a somewhat sleeper pick late. And I say again, if not, it's probably no huge loss for Niner fans....he's a 7th rounder, right?!

I'll leave with one more thought on Jennings. Despite all the positives I talked about from him, can he consistently catch the football? He didn't have a ton of drops last year, but he did bobble more wide open passes than he should have and many of those will = a TO (or punt at best) in the NFL while it just turned into an offensive highlight in college. It's like having a QB that can wow you 75% of the time, but 25% of the time he misses a wide open target. Has insane highlights in college, but that QB won't stand a chance in the NFL, despite having all the arm strength in the world. You can't miss wide up receivers in the pros. This is where I see Jauan making or missing his calling as a pro. Behavior, slowness, lack of size, etc. I'd tend to discount most if not all of that, he can still possibly contribute quite a bit in spite of these flaws based on all the positives I and others have offered up. But can he consistently make clean catches? If not, all of his positives likely won't cut it. If he CAN do that though, then I think you guys found a bit of a gem in the 7th round.

Fantastic post, and describes in detail my exact thoughts and expectations for Jennings.

Yes it was indeed a fantastic post. But...let no one forget we were one of the last teams to draft in the 7th and most other rds too...but 5th, 6th, 7th rounds and on into UDFA for kS/JL = money rounds. Who knows whatever it is but those guys are crazy good from 5 on down. So whatever his shortcomings are, Kyle and John see something ...and late like this ...odds would be a lot better to bet on them getting a guy who can bust into the lineup and have something special. TT, Kittle, DJ Jones immediately come to mind but as all fans know there are others.