Well it finally happened. This morning, while browsing the internets, my "Team Stream" App informed me of something I had been half expecting for a few weeks; AJ Jenkins had been traded. The 49ers dealt him to the Kansas City Chiefs for receiver Jon Baldwin. The frustration and dissapointment surrounding Jenkins had been brewing among niner fans for some time. Apparently the same was true for 49er front office personnel and the coaching staff. They simply grew tired of waiting for Jenkins to develop the skills required of a second year pro.
Like many fans, I had high hopes for the speedy receiver when he was drafted in 2012. However, dropped passes, fumbles and an inability to grasp the playbook plagued Jenkins during his tenure with the team. Personally, I was on board with giving him a full season of regular playing time to prove himself. However, a poor training camp and lackluster preseason perfomance meant he wasn't even guaranteed a spot on the 53 man roster. Trent Baalke decided to make a move while Jenkins still had value.
On the surface, this trade appears to be a win win for the Chiefs and 49ers. Both players are former first round picks and still have time to develop into quality receivers. Also, both have so far been dissapointments and a change of scenery might do them well. Still,I think the 49ers could come out with the better end of the deal. At 6'4" and 230 lbs, Jon Baldwin has a build similar to large receivers like Calvin Johnson, Demaryius Thomas and Julio Jones. Baldwin would be the largest 49er receiver and provide an athletic presence down the field. However, he drops the ball far too often. In fact, he demonstrated his ability to drop the ball in the Chiefs' preseason game against the 49ers. If Baldwin can find a way to hold on to the ball, Trent Baalke might have orchestrated a robbery. Still, it's a little early to say.
Only time will tell how this trade works out for both teams. Until then, it is what it is, a swap of dissapointing first rounders. At least when my friends and I get together we won't have to talk about when AJ Jenkins is going to step up his game.
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