There may not have been a better development for the San Francisco 49ers coming out of their game vs. the Las Vegas Raiders than the play of second-year wide receiver Jordan Watkins.

Watkins turned in four receptions for a career-high 80 yards and his first-career touchdown on four targets. With so many injuries in the receiving corps the 49ers have been waiting for a young pass catcher to step up, and head coach Kyle Shanahan after Sunday's game told reporters Watkins made a leap against the Raiders in Week 9.

“A huge step forward," Shanahan said. "He hasn't gotten his opportunities and some guys have been down and he's been working and he's been ready for it. I think he's gotten better each week. I think the first week he came out there and played good right away. The ball went his way more this game and he was ready for those opportunities. I thought he's blocked well and stuff. One penalty he'd like to take back, but we can forgive him. That third down was huge. Just the man coverage and going up and making that play on the post. That was a hell of a play.”

The penalty Shanahan is referring to was an offensive pass interference penalty late in the fourth quarter that negated a 20-yard pickup for George Kittle.

Nevertheless this is two games in a row where Watkins has been a factor.

Entering Week 7 he had five catches for 108 yards in eight games as a pro. In Weeks 7 and 9, the 49ers' last two games, he has seven catches for 136 yards and one touchdown.

The 49ers needed a young receiver to break out, and it appears that breakout is happening for Watkins.