Matt Barrows·
Watkins was a surprise standout this spring, showing his speed on deep balls and his smoothness on crossing routes and drawing raves from
quarterback Brock Purdy, who said Watkins “popped out” to everyone. “I think Jordan’s doing solid,” he said June 10. “He’s had some good days, some bad. But normal.” Watkins seems very much in the mix to be the No. 3 or No. 4 wideout when the season begins in Seattle on Sept. 7. He and fellow rookie Junior Bergen also have been the only punt returners in recent practices. Of course, Watkins has to satisfy Shanahan first. And through the first three days of training camp, he hasn’t been nearly as prolific as he’s been in the spring. Practices are more physical, cornerbacks such as Renardo Green and Deommodore Lenoir are allowed to use their hands and re-route him, and the throwing lanes are tighter. Friday, for example, Watkins hauled in only one of the six passes in his direction. His reaction to the tough defense is the same as it is to the hard coaching he’s getting from Hankerson: Bring it on. “Obviously, with more physicality, it’s going to be tougher to get open and make plays,” he said. “But that’s our job in the NFL as a receiver. The windows are very, very close. Very, very close. Whenever I’m lining up against Green and Lenoir, that’s the competition I want. Because that’s the best of the best right there. ”