San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has made a strong statement about former Tennessee wide receiver Jauan Jennings, praising his ability to separate from defenders despite lacking elite speed. Speaking ahead of the 49ers’ Week 4 matchup against the New England Patriots, Shanahan reflected on Jennings’ breakout performance in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams, where he recorded 11 receptions for 175 yards and three touchdowns.
“He’s probably been our best separator over the last few years,” Shanahan said. “He plays with such intensity. When he comes off the ball and hits contact, he doesn’t slow down at all. Even when he’s being held, you never see him act like he’s being grabbed. He fights through everything. The way he blocks is the way he runs routes—it’s all about his mindset that no one can stop him.”
Shanahan acknowledged that Jennings might not have the fastest 40-yard dash time or the most impressive numbers from the NFL Combine, but that hasn’t stopped him from being a key player for the 49ers. “He may not test the fastest or jump the highest, but the guy can do a 360 dunk. He’s wired the right way. He’s always had the mentality to play football,” Shanahan added, noting that Jennings took advantage of extra opportunities in Week 3 with Deebo Samuel out. Shanahan went on to say, “If he gets more chances, he’ll do it every week. And I don’t think he’s wrong.”
Jennings’ success serves as a reminder that NFL Combine numbers and testing stats can often be overrated. While athleticism is important, Shanahan highlights that a player’s mindset, effort, and ability to compete in real game situations matter more than a tenth of a second in a 40-yard dash or vertical jump. Running in a straight line in Indianapolis in February is far removed from what actually happens on the football field during a high-pressure game.
Combine numbers don’t measure a player’s heart, competitive drive, or how they respond in crunch time. Jennings, who has excelled in the NFL by doing whatever it takes—whether it’s run-blocking or even throwing a touchdown pass in the Super Bowl—is proof that testing numbers aren’t everything. He’s earned his place in the league through grit and determination, and perhaps he can help shift the focus away from combine obsession once and for all.
Jennings’ rise in the NFL is a testament to his mentality and commitment to his team, making him an indispensable player for the 49ers. As Shanahan suggests, it’s not about how fast a player runs in a drill but how they perform when it truly counts.
