Jauan Jennings put on a show in 2024 for the 49ers and was recognized as the 49ers secret superstar
While the 49ers were down two offensive superstars, Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk, for long stretches in 2024, their absences opened the door for others to contribute. Jordan Mason filled in admirably with McCaffrey out before suffering a season-ending injury. Filling in for Aiyuk was a tall task, but one player was ready for his opportunity.
Jauan Jennings has built a reputation as a willing run blocker and enforcer with a nose for the first down marker on third down. 49ers fans know him as “Third and Jauan,” but this year, Jennings proved himself to be a capable receiver from the “X” position in 2024.
George Kittle led the team with 78 receptions, but Jennings was behind him with 77 and would have eclipsed 1,000 yards if not for a Week 18 ejection against Arizona. Jennings did lead the team in targets with 111 but needed 25 more yards for his first 1,000-yard season.
With six touchdowns and 12.7 yards per catch, Jennings had his finest season as a pro and finished with an 83.1 offensive and 83.7 receiving grade.
Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus chose a “secret superstar” for each team in 2024. Jennings was the selection for the 49ers, but 49ers fans were well aware of Jennings’ impact. If not for a few plays, Jennings would have likely been awarded Super Bowl MVP in 2023.
As the 49ers endured another injury-ravaged season, Jennings was a consistently good force at wide receiver. His 83.7 PFF receiving grade ranked 17th among receivers with 50 or more targets, while he was also 14th in yards per route run (2.26). Jennings proved his mettle as a blocker, too, with his 74.8 PFF pass-blocking grade the eighth-best mark among receivers. Given that San Francisco may shuffle the deck by trading a player like Deebo Samuel, Jennings will continue to be a focal point in 2025.
Locker points out the chance of Samuel moving on, but with the unknown timeline of Aiyuk, both receivers will likely return in 2025. It’s difficult to imagine Jauan’s role diminishing following his breakout season in 2024. 2025 will be another opportunity for Jennings to plant his flag as a top-end receiver and target in the NFL.