May 25, 2025

Ricky Pearsall's rookie season didn't start how anyone envisioned. After a hamstring issue popped up in training camp, delaying his development, the 24-year-old was the victim of a shooting, taking a bullet to the chest in an altercation in August. He'd recover and eventually make his way to the field, but it took him a bit to get going. Even with former teammate Deebo Samuel Sr.'s down season and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) missing the remainder of the year with an ACL injury after Week 7, the Florida product took some time to find his footing at the NFL level. However, he ended the campaign with a bang, compiling 14 receptions, 210 yards, and two touchdowns across the final two weeks (18 targets). It's a different story in 2025, as Samuel Sr. is gone – shipped to Washington – and Aiyuk is still recovering from his knee injury. That firmly places Pearsall in the conversation of one of San Fran's top three pass-catchers alongside fellow wideout Jauan Jennings and tight end George Kittle. A healthy Christian McCaffrey will get his fair share of opportunities as a receiver. Still, the second-year pro should get work in two-wide sets as long as Aiyuk is sidelined, and potentially even after if he shows out early. Pearsall will have a chance to succeed this season and could exceed expectations in an efficient 49ers offense, which can only stand to be a boon for him. He ranks as RotoBaller's PPR WR4, and sits just inside the top 100 overall at No. 92.--Alex Ciulla