Jordan Watkins might not have been seen as a home-run draft pick by the 49ers, but one notable ESPN analyst is stoked about the selection.
The San Francisco 49ers haven’t always had the best of luck with wide receivers selected on day three of the NFL Draft.
But they’re hoping that trend changes with their 2025 fourth-round pick of Ole Miss wideout Jordan Watkins.
Despite Watkins not having yet stepped on the field for the Niners, one prominent NFL Draft analyst is already lauding the selection, referring to it as his favorite San Francisco sleeper pick from Rounds 3 through 7.
ESPN’s Louis Riddick, who once expressed interest in the 49ers’ general manager vacancy back in 2017 before John Lynch ultimately took over, pointed out his favorite mid- and late-round selections for all 32 teams, specifically which ones could be impact starters in a couple of years.
For the Niners, it was Watkins:
Time for the 4th annual list of my one favorite non-first round prospect (tried to NOT select obvious 2nd rounders as well) from EACH team in the 2025 draft that could be a significant contributor/starter within the next 2-3 years:
ARZ: Cody Simon – LB – OHST
ATL: Xavier Watts -…— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) May 1, 2025
What exactly led Riddick to call out Watkins is vague, but it’s possible to look elsewhere for the positive tangibles the speedy receiver has.
Specifically, what head coach Kyle Shanahan enjoyed observing, shared by Niners Nation’s Kyle Posey:
“Love his speed. First thing you notice when you see a guy for the first time, you look at his 40 time, then you watch his routes at the Combine. I thought he was one of the better route runners at the Combine, just with natural receiver skills and everything. You watch his hands, he was our best graded-out guy going through the gauntlet and stuff with just true natural hands. Watched his one-on-ones at the Senior Bowl and then to how he played at Ole Miss, talking to [Mississippi head coach] Lane [Kiffin], the whole package. We love the guy. Think he’s got a great skillset and needed to add him to the group.”
Despite on the smaller side at 5-foot-11 and 196 pounds, Watkins is fast with a 4.37 40-yard time at the NFL Combine, and the versatility. Posey cited examples of how Kiffin used the receiver all over the field, which should bode well in Shanahan’s own offense.
The opportunity is there, too, especially with San Francisco’s No. 1 wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk, likely to start the year on the physically unable-to-perform list after last year’s ACL and MCL tears, thereby leaving Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall as the lone two locked in on the depth chart heading into training camp.
Granted, Watkins needs to learn Shanahan’s complex offense, but it’s not far off what he had to do with the Rebels.
So, if Riddick is correct, that acclimation shouldn’t be too difficult, and Watkins might end up playing a bigger role that many a fan currently anticipates.
Jordan Watkins – A Raw Gem Waiting to Shine
Jordan Watkins, standing at 5 foot 11 inches and weighing 196 pounds, may not boast the physical stature of top-tier wide receivers. However, his on-field performance has turned heads. At the NFL Combine, Watkins impressed with a 4.37-second 40-yard dash, showcasing explosive speed. Additionally, his versatility, honed under coach Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss, makes him a multifaceted weapon capable of being deployed in various roles within the 49ers’ offense.
In his analysis, Louis Riddick, a former candidate for the 49ers’ general manager role in 2017, didn’t hesitate to call Watkins his “favorite sleeper pick” among San Francisco’s selections from rounds three to seven. Riddick praised Watkins’ potential to become a key contributor to the 49ers’ roster in the coming years, especially given the current state of the team’s wide receiver group.
A Golden Opportunity for Watkins
The opportunity for Watkins to shine has never been greater. With star receiver Brandon Aiyuk potentially starting the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list due to an ACL and MCL injury from the previous season, the 49ers’ wide receiver corps currently relies heavily on Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall as guaranteed starters. This opens the door for Watkins to secure a spot in the lineup, particularly if he can adapt to Shanahan’s complex offensive system.
While mastering Shanahan’s playbook may pose a challenge, Watkins is no stranger to dynamic offensive schemes. At Ole Miss, he was utilized in various roles, from slot receiver to deep routes, preparing him well for integration into the 49ers’ diverse playbook. If Watkins seizes this opportunity, he could become a vital piece of the team’s offensive puzzle.