The 49ers selected Watkins in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft after he totaled 142 receptions for 2,096 yards and 14 touchdowns over three seasons at Ole Miss. At 5-foot-11, Watkins may not have the imposing size of teammates like Jauan Jennings or fellow rookie Ricky Pearsall (both 6-foot-3), but he's already building strong early chemistry with the 49ers' quarterbacks.
Whether that momentum continues into training camp, when pads are put on and contact is allowed, remains to be seen.
According to The Athletic's Matt Barrows, Watkins has consistently made plays both across the middle and deep down the field—a promising sign for a team with uncertainty at wide receiver to start the season. With Brandon Aiyuk unlikely to be ready for Week 1 as he continues recovering from ACL and MCL injuries, the 49ers are expected to lean on Jennings and Pearsall as starters.
Any production from other young wideouts, like Watkins, would be a significant bonus.
"There's no perfect comparison for him (Watkins) as far as past 49ers," Barrows wrote. "He's similar to Brandon Aiyuk size-wise, and like Aiyuk, he can make plays at every level of the defense. He doesn't seem to have Aiyuk's suddenness. Aiyuk creates space for throws, especially against man coverage. It remains to be seen whether Watkins can do that."
Veteran cornerback Deommodore Lenoir was also asked about Watkins and second-year wideout Jacob Cowing, another young receiver drawing praise this offseason.
"Oh, yeah, they're gonna be guys for us," Lenoir said. "I'm very excited about those two, the way they've been showing up in OTAs, catching the ball, running. They full of speed. I just love to have those guys on the team. I know they gonna come in and work every day."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Robert Saleh names 49ers' biggest rookie surprise from last season
The San Francisco 49ers invested heavily in their defense during the 2025 NFL Draft, using six of their 11 selections on defensive players, including each of their first five picks. One rookie, however, stood out more than the rest to former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert... -
49ers rookie prediction highlights concerns about key offensive weapon
San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey is coming off an NFL Comeback Player of the Year campaign. In 2025, he totaled an impressive 2,126 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns, reestablishing himself as one of the NFL's most dynamic offensive weapons. McCaffrey... -
49ers roster battles: The undrafted rookie sleepers to watch
Every year, one or two undrafted rookies force the San Francisco 49ers to rethink their roster. From Matt Breida and Emmanuel Moseley to Jordan Mason, Jeff Wilson, Jr., and Azeez Al-Shaair, the 49ers have seen rookies earn opportunities after entering the league without hearing... -
49ers announce roster moves as rookies report to training camp
The San Francisco 49ers announced a couple of roster moves on the same day that rookies reported to training camp. They have signed punter Jack Bouwmeester to a three-year deal. In addition, the team has placed tight end Khalil Dinkins on the active/non-football injury...