When looking at the San Francisco 49ers' offseason, the unquestioned No. 1 biggest transaction was reuniting with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who'll immediately infuse leadership and a renewed sense of purpose back into what turned into a lackluster side of the ball a year ago.
Tack on the Niners' top picks from the 2025 NFL Draft, headlined by potent defensive end Mykel Williams, and one can hope general manager John Lynch's offseason transactions pan out to maximum effect.
However, there's one less-discussed move that might actually stand out above all the rest.
Granted, it's early in offseason programs. But San Francisco's fourth-round draft selection of Ole Miss wide receiver Jordan Watkins is beginning to look like the next installment of one of Lynch's day-three hidden-gem finds.
Few turned heads when ESPN's Louis Riddick cited Watkins as the 49ers' biggest steal from the final day of the draft.
However, according to teammates, coaches and the media, the rookie receiver is standing atop the offseason transaction list for Lynch and Co.
Jordan Watkins might trend toward being 49ers' best offseason move
Reporting from organized team activities, Sports Illustrated's Grant Cohn pointed out how Watkins not only beat star cornerback Deommodore Lenoir in coverage, but the beat writer also cited an important aspect around that: The rookie receiver was working with the starters.
That's rare for head coach Kyle Shanahan, especially on offense and extra-especially with wideouts.
Perhaps Shanahan was influenced by wide receivers coach Leonard Hankerson, who had the following to say about Watkins' development:
"He's still raw, but he has that 'it' factor, that speed that we could use. I'm excited about having him here. He's taking a step in the right direction and I'm excited to see where he can get to."
The receiver is impressing media members (and Cohn isn't one to go soft on those who aren't) and coaches alike.
But, what about teammates, especially his quarterback, Brock Purdy.
Well, Watkins is checking off that box, too.
Here's what Purdy had to say about the first-year receiver, via Cohn:
"Jordan Watkins has been balling from day one really. He's come in and he's done everything pretty right and he's been on point. He's had a lot of explosive plays down the field. Obviously, the short game, the intermediate, he's making plays all around. So, I'm excited for him. Obviously, we know it's a process throughout this whole thing, from OTAs, to the 40 days away, to camp and I know he knows that. I'm really excited to keep working with him and for him to keep learning our offense and how we do things. But definitely a rookie that has popped out in front of everybody."
Great comments, sure. But, when putting things together and including Watkins getting first-team reps already, that says something.
Especially in light of San Francisco's other concerns at wide receiver, namely No. 1 wideout Brandon Aiyuk likely to be sidelined early in the year after recovering from 2024's torn ACL and MCL.
As Purdy noted, it is early. But the former Ole Miss standout is exceeding all expectations thus far, and that might telegraph into him becoming the 49ers' next day-three draft steal.
