San Francisco selects Ole Miss WR Jordan Watkins in 4th round of 2025 NFL Draft

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Former Ole Miss wide receiver Jordan Watkins has been drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 4th round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 138th overall pick.

Congratulations to Ole Miss WR Jordan Watkins who has been selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 4th Round of the 2025 NFL Draft! pic.twitter.com/wDQLYY2c3f

— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) April 26, 2025

Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 196 pounds, the former Rebel made headlines during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine by clocking an impressive 4.37-second 40-yard dash, placing him among the fastest receivers in this year’s draft class. 

Watkins was known as one Ole Miss’ top deep threats and a staple of Lane Kiffin’s high-powered offense the past three seasons. The Louisville, Kentucky native will now bring his football savviness to the next level, looking to become a core piece of the 49ers’ offense.

College Career

Before transferring to Ole Miss, Watkins spent two years with his hometown team, the Louisville Cardinals. During his tenure there, Watkins racked up 43 catches for 586 yards of receiving and four touchdowns.

Watkins entered the portal going into the 2022 season, finding a home in Oxford where he joined future first round draft pick, quarterback Jaxson Dart. Progressing in every season with the Rebels, Watkins tallied 2,096 yards of receiving on 142 grabs and 14 touchdowns.

As a senior at Ole Miss in 2024, Watkins had a career-best 906 yards receiving and nine touchdowns. Against the Arkansas Razorbacks on Nov. 2, Watkins had eight grabs for 254 yards and five touchdowns, setting a single-game program record in receiving yards and touchdowns.

College Highlights 

Awards:

• 2025 NFL Combine Invitee
• 2024 All-SEC Honorable Mention (CFN)
• 2023 All-SEC Honorable Mention (CFN)

Records:

• Single-game receiving yards record (254 yards)
• Single-game receiving touchdown record (5 TDs)
• 9th in career receiving yards at Ole Miss (2,096 yards)
• 10th in career receptions at Ole Miss (142 catches) 

NFL Future

According to Watkins’ draft profile, the former Rebel projects as a back-end roster candidate who has the potential to become a dependable slot receiver and special teams contributor. His compact build and toughness over the middle make him a natural fit for short-to-intermediate work, where timing and positioning outweigh raw explosiveness.

Although NFL scouts believe the receiver won’t get the same separation from NFL defensive backs, his willingness to take hits and make contested grabs gives him value in a rhythm passing attacks. His ability to absorb contact, protect the football, and contribute as a punt returner may help him stick on a 53-man roster or practice squad for a lengthy professional career.

Scouts believe that Watkins is the type of player who won’t wow you in workouts, but will earn respect in the film room and on fourth down. The former Rebel could have a career path similar to someone like Dwayne Harris or Greg Dortch.

As always, for more NFL Draft content and all of your Ole Miss sports needs, be sure to stay tuned with The Rebel Walk.