Super Bowl 54: Ranking the 20 best players playing in 49ers vs. Chiefs
By Samuel Teets
20. Sammy Watkins, WR, Chiefs
The Buffalo Bills originally drafted Sammy Watkins with the fourth overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft in the hopes that he would become a superstar. However, Watkins fizzled out in Buffalo and became a bust. Now, he’s a talented, yet average second receiver for the Chiefs.
While Watkins can vanish in games and fans may even forget he’s on the field, there are games where he captivates everyone in attendance. For instance, Watkins made nine receptions for 198 yards and three touchdowns in Week 1. Those proved to be his only receiving touchdowns of the regular season.
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Watkins also caught the spotlight in Kansas City’s shootout against the Houston Texans. The Clemson product made seven catches for 114 yards and a touchdown, easily leading all receivers in yards.
With Tyreek Hill regularly demanding double teams and Travis Kelce threatening teams over the middle, Watkins tends to get favorable matchups in critical situations. He could become an X-factor during the Super Bowl.
19. Mike McGlinchey, RT, 49ers
While Joe Staley is making his slow climb down from the mountain top, Mike McGlinchey is just starting toward the summit. San Francisco drafted the Notre Dame product with the ninth overall pick in 2018. There were some hiccups during his first two seasons, but McGlinchey looks like a future elite right tackle.
McGlinchey’s size and athleticism play a huge role in San Francisco’s rushing attack. For someone who is 6-8, 315 lbs., he moves surprisingly well and is capable of pancaking most defenders.
McGlinchey missed four games earlier this season due to injuries, but he returned to the starting lineup in Week 10. With the injury far behind him, McGlinchey can focus on how he’ll combat Kansas City’s pass rush.