WR Sammy Watkins
Patrick Mahomes is an incredible quarterback, but he’s also got an amazing cadre of weapons that leave defenses wondering just who to cover. Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Mecole Hardman are three primary names to remember, but don’t sleep on veteran receiver Sammy Watkins. After stints with the Bills and Rams, Watkins signed a three-year, $48 million Chiefs contract with $30 million guaranteed in 2018. The 2019 postseason is there Watkins has chosen to shine, especially as a deep receiver. Targeted three times on passes of 20 air yards or more in two playoff games, Watkins has two receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown. The 49ers are well aware of what he can do to a defense.
“He’s really dynamic,” Richard Sherman said of Watkins. “He’s a powerful route-runner, and he’s faster than a lot of people give him credit for. Great first step, great set of hands, and he attacks the football.”
Watkins also attacks opposing defensive backs who decide to get handsy with him, as he showed in this 60-yard touchdown catch against the Titans in the AFC Championship game against defensive back Tramaine Brock. Watkins is in the left slot, Brock is trying to muscle him out of his route, and Watkins just isn’t having any of it. This plays as an interesting precursor to what Watkins might have to do against San Francisco’s at times-aggressive coverage.
Chiefs: Daniel Sorensen | Sammy Watkins | Charvarius Ward
49ers: Deebo Samuel | Fred Warner | Mike Person