Niner Noise
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NFL free agency: Ranking the top 5 wide receivers on the 49ers’ target list

By Peter Panacy

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 05: Sammy Watkins #12 of the Los Angeles Rams catches a touchdown against the New York Giants in the second quarter against the New York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 05: Sammy Watkins #12 of the Los Angeles Rams catches a touchdown against the New York Giants in the second quarter against the New York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 12: Sammy Watkins #12 of the Los Angeles Rams scores a rushing touchdown past Marcus Gilchrist #21 of the Houston Texans during the first half of game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 12: Sammy Watkins #12 of the Los Angeles Rams scores a rushing touchdown past Marcus Gilchrist #21 of the Houston Texans during the first half of game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Sammy Watkins, Los Angeles Rams

Like Paul Richardson, current Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Sammy Watkins was overshadowed by other contributors in 2017, namely wideouts Robert Woods and the rookie, Cooper Kupp.

Watkins, after being dealt to L.A. early in 2017, managed 39 yards for 593 yards and eight touchdowns last season. While both Woods and Kupp “blew Watkins out of the water,” in terms of receptions and total yardage, Watkins’ touchdowns actually led the Rams offense through the air.

Yes, even two more receiving touchdowns than running back, and MVP candidate, Todd Gurley.

Niner Noise’s own Jay Marsdale listed Watkins as a player San Francisco should avoid in NFL free agency. The argument makes sense, as Watkins has never been close to the kind of 1,000-yard player we all saw back in 2015.

It’s a sound opinion. Especially if Watkins winds up asking for top dollar in 2018. Or, as ESPN reports, the Rams place the franchise tag on him.

Let’s assume he doesn’t, though. Should the Niners be enticed? And could he thrive in a Kyle Shanahan offense?

Probably so. Especially where he can serve as a complementary piece to Pierre Garçon.

Oh yeah, and keep in mind seven of those eight touchdowns in 2017 came in the red zone.