The San Francisco 49ers have seen plenty of changes this offseason but one of the biggest areas has been at wide receiver. Deebo Samuel is no longer in San Francisco and the team reportedly took trade calls for fellow playmaker wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
While 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall is also on the roster, the 49ers will be on the search for playmakers as early as this weekend’s rookie minicamp. With that in mind, San Francisco is trying out another big play threat that could help soften the blow of a turbulent offseason.
49ers Invite Former Virginia Tech WR Ali Jennings to Rookie Minicamp
According to KPRC’s Aaron Wilson, the 49ers are inviting former Virginia Tech wide receiver Ali Jennings to the team’s rookie minicamp. Jennings' best years came during the 2021 and 2022 seasons at Old Dominion, where he caught 116 passes for 2,025 yards and 14 touchdowns.
While he only had 17 catches for 445 yards and five touchdowns during his two years with the Hokies, the most important number is his career 16.7 yards per reception. The Draft Network’s Ryan Fowler also noted that he has ability to create yards after the catch.
“Not a burner or physical type of ballplayer, but his awareness to understand his surroundings before the catch sets him up for extra yards once the ball is in his possession,” Fowler wrote. “He has good speed, not great. He’s also a willing blocker.”
Jennings’s profile indicates the 49ers are looking to replace what they lost in the Samuel trade. While the former All-Pro’s numbers slumped to 806 yards from scrimmage last season, he had a knack for generating yards after the catch with a career clip of 9.2 yards per reception.
Samuel led the 49ers with an average of 8.3 yards after the catch last season, but the next closest receiver was Jacob Cowing, who had just an average of 6.5 yards after the catch on four receptions. If we trim it down to starters, Aiyuk was the next closest with an average of 4.3 yards after the catch.
It’s something that Jennings could be able to provide although his quest to make the roster is a difficult one. With fourth-round pick Jordan Watkins also looking to make a positive first impression, Jennings will at least have a chance to put himself on the radar and fill a sneaky need.