Brock Purdy impressed with 49ers rookie Watkins, Cowing's growth, veteran leadership

Purdy: Jordan Watkins is balling

Early success from Watkins could be crucial for a 49ers receiving corps dealing with significant losses. Deebo Samuel departed in the offseason, and Brandon Aiyuk is expected to miss the start of the 2025 season as he recovers from ACL and MCL injuries. Free-agent addition Demarcus Robinson faces a potential three-game suspension to start the year.

Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall are projected Week 1 starters, but Purdy developing confidence in Watkins could pave the way for the rookie to contribute early in his NFL career.

"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."

Offseason work paying off for Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing

This offseason, Purdy worked with second-year wide receivers Pearsall and Jacob Cowing in Jacksonville to build chemistry and timing.

Purdy noted that much of the work focused on fundamentals, such as routes and timing. While Pearsall is currently sidelined, Purdy has seen significant improvement from Cowing, both in his technique and leadership.

"I think Cowing's had a great OTAs so far, and getting in and out of cuts, and being the first one to lead lines, and show guys how routes are supposed to be ran," Purdy shared. "So, he's taking a huge leap there. So, really excited for him and his development, and excited to keep throwing to him."

Demarcus Robinson making an impact

Purdy also praised Demarcus Robinson for his impact on and off the field, emphasizing the importance of his veteran presence in a young wide receiver room.

"Demarcus has been awesome," Purdy said. "Just having that veteran receiver in that receiving [corps] and receiving room, and showing those guys, sort of just what it's like to be a vet receiver. He's very smart. He's come in, he's learned the playbook. And not only that, he's actually gone out every single day and just competed, and getting up and down with the ball, and tracking the ball in, and getting in and out of cuts as well.

"But you could just tell he's a seasoned vet. He's been here, [knows] how certain routes are supposed to be ran, just being on top of everything, not really messing up. I feel like he's done a great job, and we're going to continue to learn each other, and how he gets around, and how I can get him the ball."

Purdy also noted Robinson's leadership in the locker room, helping guide the team's younger players.

"He's a great leader, and I'm excited to go work with him," he added.

Veteran leadership will be key for 49ers in 2025

Beyond Robinson, the San Francisco 49ers boast several key veterans on the roster who are poised to mentor the team's younger players. After a significant offseason roster overhaul, many analysts are predicting a challenging road ahead. However, Purdy believes the team's veteran leadership could be the key to success in 2025.

"It's huge," Purdy said. "We've got some young guys that are definitely going to need to step up, and make plays for us, winning man-to-man matchups, and play 17 games of good football, and getting in and out of cuts, and taking care of your body."

Purdy emphasized that life in the NFL isn't easy, especially for younger players adjusting to the demands of a lengthy and physical season. That's why having experienced teammates to set the tone is critical.

"There's this whole thing that goes with playing in the NFL, and it's not easy," Purdy added. "And so, to have some vets like JJ (Jennings), Demarcus, obviously even [TE George] Kittle and [RB] Christian [McCaffrey], those guys, we can all help these young guys, especially in that receiving [corps], understand what it takes for the long haul, and what it's going to take game one, Week 1, training camp, all those things."

Purdy remains optimistic about the 49ers' ability to rebound from last season's disappointing finish, crediting the team's locker room culture and leadership.

"We're going to continue to grow together," he said. "But it's huge, having those guys that could continue to lead and show them the way. So, I'm excited for this year."