The San Francisco 49ers faithful had a rough start to their Friday as North Dakota State wide receiver Christian Watson was selected early in the second round by the Green Bay Packers, who traded up with their division-rival Minnesota Vikings to pick their wide receiver of choice.
The Packers, who reportedly attempted to trade up with the Vikings to get the 32nd pick, got the job done with the 34th pick, moving both their second-round selections to get Watson.
The 6'4, 208-pound North Dakota State product performed admirably at the Senior Bowl and at the Combine, being tabbed the best receiver at the January showcase by many analysts, while running an impressive 4.36 40-yard dash and testing great at his size.
Watson obviously shared a connection with 49ers quarterback Trey Lance, as the two were an explosive duo in 2019, when North Dakota State went undefeated to win the FCS Championship.
With Deebo Samuel remaining a 49er and the unlikelihood that Watson would reach the 61st overall pick, it seemed unrealistic that Watson would become a 49er, but the Packers, who desired a receiver following the Davante Adams trade, are happy that Watson fell out of the first round.
In 2021, Watson proved that he wasn't merely a product of Trey Lance's ability to make plays, as he caught 43 passes for 800 yards, leading all Bison receivers by a wide margin.
He now finds himself with a phenomenal quarterback in Aaron Rodgers, who reportedly wanted Treylon Burks in the first round before the Titans selected the Arkansas product.
The 49ers currently stand to pick at No. 61, with their following selections on Day three being at picks No. 93 and No. 105.