49ers 4-round mock draft including blockbuster Deebo Samuel trade

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Christian Watson #WO35 of North Dakota State (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Round 3, Pick No. 37 Overall (from Houston): 49ers select WR Christian Watson

Stop me if you’ve heard this one: Reuniting Trey Lance with his North Dakota state teammate, wide receiver Christian Watson, is a no-brainer and a slam dunk. It’s also a connection that will continue to get better over time. The chemistry is already there, but it will continue to age well.

After three years of Bison football, their first year together in San Francisco should translate easy to year No. 4. It was originally thought Watson could be available at pick No. 61, the 49ers’ original first selection in the NFL Draft. But after an impressive NFL Scouting Combine performance, his stock continues to rise.

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Watson is a big target with elusive speed and great length. He creates separation well as evident by his 4.36 40-yard dash and 21.5 yards-per-catch average in 2020. His numbers could be better in terms of receptions and yardage for a four-year stint, but no one is asking him to step in and become WR1 on the first day. Mostly in part because third-year Niners wideout Brandon Aiyuk is expected to thrive with Lance under center.

This should take the pressure off Watson and allow him to transition on his own terms. A draft-day decision to pair these two together will give Lance two reliable targets for many years to come.