49ers Rookie Jordan Watkins: A New Deep Threat?

As the San Francisco 49ers prepare to face the Atlanta Falcons Sunday in a home primetime battle, the injuries to some notable offensive playmakers continue to be one of the stories in the early season. Quarterback Brock Purdy remains out with turf toe, while injuries still ravage the wide receiver room. Jacob Cowing (hamstring) remains out, joining Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Ricky Pearsall (knee), although all three are on the mend and close to returning. On Saturday, the 49ers released Marquez Valdes-Scantling from injured reserve with a settlement.

That gives an opportunity this week to Jordan Watkins. The rookie fourth-rounder is small in stature and measurables (5'11", 196 lbs.), but could provide a punch. Watkins was last seen in the preseason opener in early August against Denver. His statistics in that game were modest (3 receptions, 56 yards), but he briefly showed the 49ers speed and toughness, highlighted by a 50-yard reception.

The book on Watkins is unwritten. It is clear he is a prospect with talent, but still considered raw. The lack of size is noticeable as well as his route-running, but the aforementioned speed is something to be optimistic about (4.37 40-yard dash time in 2025 Combine).

Considering his very low drop rate last year at Ole Miss, Watkins has trustworthy hands, in addition to some versatility with his spots varying from the slot, to the outside while in motion, as well as his experience as a punt/kickoff return man. If Skyy Moore is injured or ineffective, Watkins will certainly be the next man up for that role.

Expectations need to be contained, especially with Kendrick Bourne continuing to develop an excellent rapport with Mac Jones (20 receptions last two weeks), and George Kittle finally returning from a hamstring injury. Christian McCaffrey and Jauan Jennings will also continue to get their fair share of touches this week against Atlanta, but the hope is that Watkins can provide a spark in some capacity, the few times his number is called.

Kyle Shanahan is full of gimmick plays and doesn't usually go deep, but the hope is that Jordan Watkins can have sustainability in the field this year and beyond. The 49ers have struggled to fully trust young receivers on slot slants and intermediate-to-deep routes. Dante Pettis, Danny Gray, and Ronnie Bell have all attempted to fill that role and were unsuccessful. Hopefully, Watkins becomes the exception.