Jauan Jennings demonstrated during portions of the previous NFL season that he can serve as the San Francisco 49ers’ leading wide receiver, bringing renewed fantasy relevance after years of limited output. With Deebo Samuel Sr. no longer on the roster and Brandon Aiyuk facing an uncertain recovery timeline from injury, Jennings stands as a significant figure for fantasy football managers considering their 2025 drafts.
Though drafted in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Jennings has already surpassed expectations by establishing himself as a consistent presence on the 49ers’ depth chart and earning regular playing time. For his first three seasons, however, his performance failed to draw attention from fantasy analysts or managers, as he largely remained buried behind more established talent.
Prior to the 2024 season, Jennings’ peak performance involved catching 35 passes for 416 yards, a modest total given the team’s receiving weapons and his late draft status. Yet, injuries to key players suddenly increased his opportunities. Christian McCaffrey missed almost the entire 2023 campaign, Deebo Samuel dealt with recurring health setbacks, and Brandon Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL. Jennings stepped into a larger role and delivered notable results.
Among his standout moments was Week 3 of last season, when Jennings started alongside Aiyuk while Samuel was sidelined. He recorded an exceptional fantasy line of 11 receptions for 175 yards and three touchdowns, one of the finest single-game performances by a wide receiver in fantasy football history. In addition to this explosive game, he posted six other valuable outings, including three performances worthy of WR1 consideration.
The 2025 season opens with questions around the 49ers’ receiving corps. Aiyuk’s delayed return means that Jennings and the emerging sophomore Ricky Pearsall are likely to start as the primary wideouts. This fresh receiver combination places even more emphasis on George Kittle’s involvement in the passing attack.
Fantasy managers are divided on the top San Francisco offensive weapon worth drafting, with Jennings holding a narrow lead over Pearsall in average draft position (ADP). However, this margin remains too slim to signal a clear preference, reflecting broader uncertainty about the team’s receiver hierarchy heading into the new season.
Jennings, now in his fifth year, made a breakthrough in his fourth, while Pearsall’s nontraditional rookie season was disrupted when he was shot, delaying his impact. Despite this, many remain optimistic about Pearsall’s sophomore surge based on historical trends favoring second-year wide receivers. Nonetheless, Jennings’ 2024 statistics offer compelling evidence for his fantasy viability. He commanded 26.5% of the 49ers’ target share, was targeted on 28.4% of his routes, and averaged 2.45 yards per route run—metrics that rank among WR1 territory.
Still, concerns persist regarding the offensive scheme. The 49ers prioritize a slow-paced, run-heavy game plan centered on McCaffrey, even when he was sidelined for most of last year. The offense operates at an exceptionally slow pace—30.5 seconds per snap over the past two seasons, the slowest in the NFL by a significant margin. Furthermore, San Francisco has frequently used neutral game scripts, ranking eighth in the league with a 46% rate, which limits passing volume. At the same time, quarterback Brock Purdy averaged just under 28 pass attempts per game in 2023, slightly increasing to just over 30 in 2024.
Looking ahead to 2025, there are signs for cautious optimism. The 49ers’ overall strength has diminished, potentially forcing a heavier reliance on passing as they are less able to dominate with the run. The modest uptick in Purdy’s passing volume last season could continue or accelerate, creating more opportunities for Jennings and others.
From a fantasy perspective, adopting a strategy that embraces uncertainty can yield a competitive edge. The unclear status of the 49ers’ top receiver suppresses both Jennings’ and Pearsall’s draft positions, creating potential value. Currently ranked around WR44, Jennings aligns with consensus expectations—not a top priority, but certainly a viable target as fantasy drafts approach.
Analysis and Projection by Fantasy Analyst Frank Ammirante
Coming off a surprisingly strong season—with 77 receptions for 975 yards and six touchdowns—Jauan Jennings has emerged from relative obscurity. His progress surprised many, considering that he spent his first three NFL seasons low on the depth chart without notable contributions.
“the cat is out of the bag now,” —Frank Ammirante, Fantasy Analyst
This observation underscores Jennings’ elevated role in the 49ers’ offense, where he is expected to be a primary target in the passing game. With Brandon Aiyuk sidelined while recovering from his ACL tear, Jennings will share top receiver duties with tight end George Kittle, running back Christian McCaffrey, and fellow wide receiver Ricky Pearsall.
Though Jennings faced some injuries during training camp, there is no indication that these issues will carry over into the regular season, making him an attractive buy-low candidate for fantasy managers wary of drafting him at full value. Additionally, the 49ers benefit from one of the gentler NFL schedules, enhancing the appeal of offensive players like Jennings for fantasy rosters.
Implications for Fantasy Football Managers Preparing for 2025 Drafts
Jauan Jennings’ evolving role within the 49ers offense makes him an intriguing pick for fantasy football drafters targeting the 2025 season. While his prior production was limited, recent injury-driven opportunities have revealed his capacity to contribute at a high level. Given the departure of Deebo Samuel and Aiyuk’s injury concerns, Jennings appears poised for an expanded target share that could translate into meaningful fantasy points.
However, the conservative and run-first nature of the 49ers offense presents notable constraints, as overall passing attempts remain moderate. This environment tempers expectations and explains the ongoing debate among fantasy experts about Jennings’ ranking relative to younger receivers like Pearsall.
The uncertainty surrounding the San Francisco receiving group reduces Jennings’ draft cost and creates a reasonable floor, making him a balanced option for managers seeking upside without overpaying. Monitoring his health and early-season usage will be crucial to adjusting projections.
In sum, Jauan Jennings is not an automatic must-draft wide receiver in 2025 fantasy drafts but remains a worthy consideration, especially in middle-to-late rounds where his potential value outpaces his current ADP. Fantasy managers who can navigate the risks and capitalize on the uncertain receiver landscape may find Jennings to be a beneficial addition to their rosters.