Following an offseason trade of Deebo Samuel, as well as injuries and suspensions alike ruling out Brandon Aiyuk and Demarcus Robinson for the start of the season, both Brock Purdy and the team will be searching for alternative solutions at the wide receiver position.
While Jauan Jennings will presumably continue his growth after an excellent season last year, and most would expect last year’s first-round pick, Ricky Pearsall, to step forward as well, anything outside that remains a mystery.
In the fourth round of the NFL Draft, the 49ers selected Ole Miss wide receiver Jordan Watkins, and he’s already drawn a positive review from the team’s starting quarterback.
Brock Purdy praises ‘balling’ Jordan Watkins
Speaking after the team’s Thursday OTA practice, Purdy lauded the rookie’s early start with the team.
“He’s balling, man,” Purdy said. “Jordan Watkins has been balling from day one, really. He’s come in and has done everything pretty right, and he’s been on point. I mean, he’s had a lot of explosive plays down the field, and obviously, in the short game, the intermediate. He’s making plays all around.
“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. I know he knows that, but 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.”
Watkins enters the league after a decorated college career, holding top ten ranks in three categories at Ole Miss: receptions (142), receiving yards (2096), and 100-yard receiving games (6). It appears he’s taken to the pro game well so far also.
How soon Jordan Watkins can see the field for the 49ers
Purdy’s praise gives Watkins a push towards some early playing time, although how likely it is is in question.
The 49ers do lack some depth at receiver, particularly if Aiyuk and Robinson do miss time, so the opportunity is open for Watkins, if he can gain snaps against the likes of Jacob Cowing and Terique Owens, who both enter their second year with the team.
The stumbling block might be Kyle Shanahan, as he’s known to coach receivers particularly hard. Outside of Aiyuk, virtually no rookie receiver has made an impact for the 49ers during his tenure as head coach. Part of this is also attributed to the difficulty of the offensive scheme, as well as the run-blocking the coach demands.
Much of his chance for play will depend on Brandon Aiyuk, as the longer his recovery takes, the more likely Watkins is to see the field. If Aiyuk is out until mid-season as is widely reported, then Watkins has a chance to seize a role early, and it’ll be up to him to make it work.
