SANTA CLARA — With a chance to shine on Saturday evening, 49ers rookies Jordan Watkins and Marques Sigle took advantage of their opportunities in San Francisco’s 30-9 preseason loss to the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium.
Watkins caught two of his five targets, but his 50-yard reception from Mac Jones was the highlight of the game. Watkins had just enough separation from starting cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian to make the grab.
The rookie was not brought down until Talanoa Hufanga was able to catch up with him 15 yards later to make the tackle.
Watkins’ performance clearly stood out, but it was not perfect. The Mississippi product committed a false start that led to the Broncos forcing a punt early in the second quarter. Coach Kyle Shanahan saw both the good and the not so good in the receiver’s performance.
“I thought he did some good things, especially that 50-yard catch,” Shanahan said after the game. “Also had some plays where he struggled, too. Getting that pick, he had a busted route on that. That was a big one.
“Making that big play on the first third down in the game is what allowed us to end that opening drive with a score. Typical rookie game; there was some positive in it, but a lot stuff we can challenge him with when we watch the tape Monday.”
Sigle was the rookie who made the most impact on the defensive side of the ball. Alfred Collins and CJ West made their debuts along with the safety, but the Kansas State product was the star of the young players.
Sigle was only on the field during the first half and still recorded seven tackles — five solo — and was always near the ball. The safety left the game before halftime with a knee injury and did not return in the second half, but was seen on the sidelines still in uniform.
After the game Shanahan, shared the injury was a knee bruise that was not too serious, but he kept Sigle out of the game to be cautious. The coach was impressed with the defensive back’s preseason debut.
“I thought he was one of the guys who flashed a lot tonight,” Shanahan said. “He got a little bit of a late start being injured in the off season. It was a few days into camp when he really got going, but he’s has a hell of a week here and finished it off good today.”
An honorable mention for a standout performance by a rookie is Sebastian Valdez. The defensive lineman, who has been nicknamed “The Hulk” by several of his teammates, recorded four tackles — two solo and one for a loss. The Washington product also received credit for a half of a quarterback sack.
Playing in the NFL might be a new experience for Valdez, but after the game the lineman shared that his father Tony started using the moniker when his son was in high school.