Who Should I Start? Jordan Watkins or Tommy Mellott

Friday, June 13, 12:31 PM

San Francisco 49ers rookie fourth-round wide receiver Jordan Watkins hasn't been perfect in offseason workouts this spring, but The Athletic's Matt Barrows writes that he has stood out in the way that Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) did a year ago. He took a number of snaps with the first-team offense with Pearsall, Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Jauan Jennings (calf) sidelined, showcasing his speed and fluidity in routes. Watkins doesn't break stride when catching the ball, which makes him an asset on crossing routes that are such a big part of head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. The 23-year-old also has thick legs and a big lower body, which should help him break tackles and pick up yards after the catch. Watkins had nine total touchdowns at Ole Miss in 2024, and while he probably won't get on the field much in his rookie season, he could be an immediate factor on special teams.

Friday, May 23, 12:19 PM

The Athletic's Tashan Reed reports that Las Vegas Raiders rookie sixth-rounder Tommy Mellott got significant action at slot receiver during an OTA practice this week. The quarterback-turned-receiver made cornerback Darnay Holmes fall on an in-and-out route on one rep before catching a pass from quarterback Geno Smith and turning upfield. Receiver Tre Tucker made the most impressive play of the day on a deep route where he got open over the top of the safety for a diving catch. Tucker started most of last year, but his role could be in jeopardy in 2025 after the Raiders drafted Dont'e Thornton and Jack Bech. Mellott is fast and athletic at 6-foot, 208 pounds but will most likely serve in a depth role at wideout in his first year in the NFL while also contributing as a return option on special teams.