Draft Profile: Jauan Jennings

February 2, 2020 /

  • Height: 6’3″
  • Weight: 210lb
  • College: Tennessee
  • Tape watched: Georgia (live), Florida, BYU, South Carolina
  • NFL Comparison: Anquan Boldin

Pros

  • Tenacity
    Sometimes there just aren’t ways to quantify what a player can bring to a team. Jauan has that “IT” factor that analysts so-often talk about. Tenacity is the best way I can describe Jauan Jennings’ greatest attribute. He offers a love and passion for the game of football it’s hard to imagine that he won’t succeed in the NFL. Every part of his game is full-throttle, maximum effort.
  • Athleticism/Size
    Jauan Jennings’ blend of size and speed are a rare combination for a receiver used so heavily in the slot. He won’t run by many corners at the next level, but he creates enough separation on tape to threaten nickel corners over the top of defenses. He uses all of his 6’3″ frame to go get high passes and make exciting plays.
  • Combat Catches
    Jennings is completely fearless across the middle of the field. He never shies away from contact, and rarely drops contested catches. Jennings showed good concentration catching the ball in traffic. Tennessee utilized Jennings in the slot often, and he excelled through the heart of the defense.
  • Yards After Catch
    By far his most quantifiable trait, Jennings is one of the biggest threats in this draft class with the football in his hands. Virtually impossible to tackle high, Jennings punishes defenders and sheds arm tackles frequently.

Cons

  • Route Running
    Jennings is not a refined route runner heading into the combine. Most of his routes lack burst in and out of cuts, and his breaks are rounded. He uses his upper body well to sell fakes, but if he can work on detailing his routes and improve his footwork he can become a rare big-slot threat in the NFL.
  • Release
    Jennings has a long first step from his snap release. As an outside receiver, this poses much less of an issue for him as it would if he is utilized from the slot. Corners will struggle to press Jennings because of his size and strength however, helping his case.
  • Agility
    Jennings is not a receiver that is going to be elusive in the NFL. Faint-steps from his release and his route breaks suffer as a result of his poor lateral agility.
  • Drops
    Not a big issue in his game, although he had a couple big drops that were “gimme” catches. Whether its concentration drops or double catches, Jennings is strong enough and has good enough hands to eliminate this question mark on his game.

Overview

Jauan Jennings possesses enough traits that will help him stand out from other mid-round receivers. His size, strength, and YAC potential is enough to carve out a role in an NFL offense. Jennings’ upside will be limited by the offensive scheme and how a coordinator can maximize his strengths. A matchup nightmare for smaller corners, Jennings stock is up heading into the combine after on his strong Senior Bowl week.