The San Francisco 49ers have officially wrapped up signing their 2012 draft class. On the third day of their final rookie minicamp, the 49ers announced they have signed first round pick wide receiver A.J. Jenkins. Jenkins has been working out with the team all offseason, but had signed an injury waiver while his deal was being worked out.
Jenkins is in an interesting position heading into his rookie season. He's a first round pick so plenty of folks will automatically have high expectations. However, he is joining a positional unit that appears to have some considerable depth for the first time in years. The 49ers would love to see him develop quickly, but they also are in a position to work with him during his rookie year.
Jenkins joins Michael Crabtree as the only wide receivers signed beyond the 2013 season. Randy Moss, Ted Ginn Jr. and Kyle Williams are signed through this season and Mario Manningham is signed through 2013. The 49ers will be looking to develop Jenkins into a long-term option at wide receiver, but they will be able to have some patience in his development. Of course, ideally he will bust through with a monster training camp and force the situation. Fingers crossed.
For now, we can at least enjoy the contract signing, and what I consider to be a rather humorous t-shirt.