The San Francisco 49ers saw a large roster turnover this season, but the offense saw it's most important piece return on a record-setting contract.
Quarterback Brock Purdy enters this season as the franchise's highest-paid player ever, but will experience some changes to his pass-game.
The 49ers dealt away Deebo Samuel Sr. this offseason, and the ACL recovery for Brandon Aiyuk and suspension to Demarcus Robinson force more absences. This may mean younger receivers will have a greater role in the offense to relieve Jauan Jennings and George Kittle early in the season.
First rounder Ricky Pearsall is expected to see an uptick in production, but other receiving targets are largely unproven.
San Francisco drafted Ole Miss pass catcher Jordan Watkins in the fourth round of this year's NFL Draft. So far at OTA practices, Watkins is making a good first impression with his QB.
“He’s balling, man,” Purdy said to the media this week. “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."
At 5-11, 195 pounds, Watkins displayed huge upside in volume with a staggering 18.5 yards per reception average last season with the Rebels. He was able to line up all over the field and finished the season with 49 catches for 906 yards and nine touchdowns.
Through Purdy's excitement, he is reminding the rookie that his first NFL season will be a process, no matter how early he could see the field.
“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.”
This endorsement from San Francisco's $250 million man should bode well for Watkins' playing time, but a lot of his reps will be dependent on Aiyuk still being out.
If he can shine during his absence, the 49ers will be set for the future with numerous weapons for Purdy to work with.
