The 49ers are going to try to establish a better passing game this season, and first-round draft pick A.J. Jenkins is expected to be a significant part of the plan. By adding Jenkins, Randy Moss and Mario Manningham, San Francisco is hoping their offense can become more dynamic and Alex Smith can be more effective throwing the ball. However, there has been some indication that Jenkins has not impressed in offseason workouts. The San Francisco media hasn’t exactly been blasting the rookie, but apparently they have said enough to infuriate Jim Harbaugh.
“For those scribes, pundits or so-called experts who’ve gone as far to say he’s going to be a bust, they should just stop,” the Niners coach said Sunday according to the San Jose Mercury News. “I recommend that because they’re making themselves look clueless, more than they already did. A.J. is going to be outstanding.
“I’m going to keep track of these names of so-called experts who are making these comments. And there’s going to be an ‘I-told-you-so.’ I foresee that happening.”
For his part, Jenkins said he has “no hard feelings” toward anyone who has said negative things about him and that he embraces criticism. Harbaugh has never been shy about defending his players, as evidenced by the comments he made about Smith last season and the way he denied that the Niners ever pursued Peyton Manning. In all likelihood this is just a way for Harbaugh to give an important rookie some confidence heading into the season.
