Wide receiver Jordan Watkins has emerged as one of the most intriguing rookies from the San Francisco 49ers' offseason program—at least in the limited practices open to the media.
The 49ers selected Watkins in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft after he totaled 142 receptions for 2,096 yards and 14 touchdowns over three seasons at Ole Miss. At 5-foot-11, Watkins may not have the imposing size of teammates like Jauan Jennings or fellow rookie Ricky Pearsall (both 6-foot-3), but he's already building strong early chemistry with the 49ers' quarterbacks.
Whether that momentum continues into training camp, when pads are put on and contact is allowed, remains to be seen.
According to The Athletic's Matt Barrows, Watkins has consistently made plays both across the middle and deep down the field—a promising sign for a team with uncertainty at wide receiver to start the season. With Brandon Aiyuk unlikely to be ready for Week 1 as he continues recovering from ACL and MCL injuries, the 49ers are expected to lean on Jennings and Pearsall as starters.
Any production from other young wideouts, like Watkins, would be a significant bonus.
"There's no perfect comparison for him (Watkins) as far as past 49ers," Barrows wrote. "He's similar to Brandon Aiyuk size-wise, and like Aiyuk, he can make plays at every level of the defense. He doesn't seem to have Aiyuk's suddenness. Aiyuk creates space for throws, especially against man coverage. It remains to be seen whether Watkins can do that."
Veteran cornerback Deommodore Lenoir was also asked about Watkins and second-year wideout Jacob Cowing, another young receiver drawing praise this offseason.
"Oh, yeah, they're gonna be guys for us," Lenoir said. "I'm very excited about those two, the way they've been showing up in OTAs, catching the ball, running. They full of speed. I just love to have those guys on the team. I know they gonna come in and work every day."