ESPN's team of NFL reporters recently identified the biggest offseason surprises on each roster. For the San Francisco 49ers, that honor goes to one of their fourth-round draft picks.
Wide receiver Jordan Watkins has been turning heads during the limited practices open to the media this offseason. Whether that momentum carries into training camp remains to be seen, but Watkins making an impact in his rookie campaign would be a significant boost for a receiving corps now without Deebo Samuel and, to start the season, Brandon Aiyuk, who continues recovering from ACL and MCL injuries.
"The fourth-round pick out of Mississippi had no shortage of opportunities to work with starting quarterback Brock Purdy because fellow wideouts Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall missed time with injuries," ESPN reporter Nick Wagoner wrote.
Fortunately for San Francisco, Jennings and Pearsall are both expected to be ready for training camp. Jennings was dealing with a calf issue while Pearsall was held out due to a minor hamstring injury.
"It's difficult to get on the field and produce in Kyle Shanahan's offense as a rookie receiver," Wagoner continued, "but Watkins looked smooth running the intermediate routes that are a staple of Shanahan's scheme. He consistently made plays in practice."
Former 49ers draft pick impressing in Philly
Did the 49ers give up too soon on 2022 third-round pick Danny Gray? The speedy wide receiver struggled to carve out a role in San Francisco, hindered by injuries and inconsistency during crucial moments. During his time with the 49ers, Gray recorded just one catch for 10 yards.
After spending last season on the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad, Gray signed a reserve/future contract in February and could be pushing for a bigger role in 2025.
"The 26-year-old wideout made an impression during the OTA and minicamp practices open to reporters, using his 4.33 speed to stretch the field and accelerate past defenders on catches over the middle," ESPN reporter Tim McManus wrote.
He added, "Philadelphia has one of the top receiving duos in the league in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, but there are some roster spots up for grabs lower on the depth chart. Gray will be competing with players like Ainias Smith, Avery Williams and Terrace Marshall during training camp."