2012 NFL Draft – San Francisco 49ers Select WR A.J. Jenkins At No. 30

Published: 26^th Apr 12 10:44 pm

by Steven Resnick
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Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

The San Francisco 49ers first pick in the 2012 was at no.30 and their selection was A.J. Jenkins a wide receiver out of the University of Illinois. While the selection of a wide receiver was not surprising, the pick of Jenkins was. At the combine according to NFL.com Jenkins had a vertical jump of 38.5″, ran a 4.37 40 and measured in at 6’0″ and 190 pounds.

He played all four seasons at Illinois with his Junior and Senior seasons being his best years. In total he caught 167 passes for 2,432 yards and 19 touchdowns. Included is the video of his career day against Northwestern in his senior year and in a come from behind victory he caught 12 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns. The totals for his senior season he caught 90 passes for 1,276 yards and eight touchdowns and in his Junior year Jenkins caught 56 passes for 746 yards and seven touchdowns.

In the offseason the 49ers also signed Superbowl hero Mario Manningham and Randy Moss and with Jenkins it allows for the 49ers to stretch the football field. That was something that did not happen in the NFC Championship game where only one pass was completed to a wide receiver for three yards.

More importantly according to that same article is that he has quickness off the ball, he has the ability to separate from defenders and has the ability to catch the ball in the middle of the field. One weakness that really stands out for Jenkins is that he can become predicable with his go-to move which means a cornerback can knock him of his route.

For more on the 49ers offseason feel free to check out the re-signing Alex Smith and Smith also helping with a search for a missing California teenager.

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