San Francisco, CA – May 27, 2025
In a 49ers offense once built around household names like Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and Christian McCaffrey, the name Ricky Pearsall barely registered last season. But as the 2025 campaign approaches, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: the quietest man in the room might soon become the loudest weapon on the field.
Pearsall, a second-year wide receiver out of Florida, was a Day 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. But a freak injury — the result of a gunshot wound in the offseason — delayed his debut until Week 7. From there, it was a slow ramp-up. He battled rust, rhythm, and a 49ers season that never quite found its footing. And then, just when the year seemed lost, Pearsall gave the league a reason to look twice.
In Week 17 against the Detroit Lions, he exploded for eight catches, 141 yards, and a touchdown — all career highs. The following week, he followed up with 6/69/1 against Arizona, offering a glimpse of what might come next.
"He’s just different,” said one NFC scout. “His top-end speed, body control, and route running are already veteran-level. And now he’s got the opportunity.”
That opportunity comes in the wake of major changes. Deebo Samuel is now in Washington. Brandon Aiyuk is recovering from knee surgery and may not return to full strength until 2026. Jauan Jennings — while dependable — lacks Pearsall’s explosiveness. Meanwhile, McCaffrey is coming off a down year and may cede more touches in the passing game.
All of this adds up to one thing: targets.
Fantasy experts are taking notice. Bleacher Report recently called Pearsall a “fantasy football sleeper,” noting that despite his strong finish, he’s still being drafted as WR40, with an ADP of 71 — far below what his ceiling suggests.
Pearsall won’t face the defense’s top coverage either. With safeties and corners tilted toward George Kittle and Jennings, and eventually Aiyuk, he’ll get plenty of one-on-one looks — a mismatch he’s already shown he can exploit.
"This is the guy who’s going to mess up a lot of fantasy projections," joked one 49ers coach. "He’s ready. You’ll see.”
And if the end of last season was any indication, they’re absolutely right. Pearsall isn’t just a hidden gem — he might be the WR1 no one saw coming.
