49ers' under-the-radar star: Ricky Pearsall poised for breakout

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall endured a turbulent start to his NFL career—through no fault of his own. After recovering from a training camp setback, the rookie faced a life-threatening ordeal when he was shot in the chest in an armed robbery attempt just ahead of the 2024 regular season.

Thankfully, Pearsall made a full recovery and returned to the field, missing only the first six games of the season. He went on to finish his rookie campaign with 31 targets for 400 receiving yards, three touchdowns, and 45 rushing yards, flashing the talent that led the 49ers to select him in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

CBS Sports' Garrett Podell recently named one under-the-radar player from each NFL team who could make a significant impact in 2025. His pick for the 49ers? Ricky Pearsall.

"With a normal offseason to train, plus Pro Bowl wide receiver Deebo Samuel being traded away to the Washington Commanders, Pearsall has the opportunity to emerge as a key contributor in 2025 as an every week starter in Kyle Shanahan's offense," Podell wrote.

Pearsall ended his rookie season on a high note, catching 14 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns over the final two games, including a breakout 141-yard, one-touchdown performance in Week 17 against the Detroit Lions.

With Brandon Aiyuk still recovering from the ACL and MCL injuries he suffered in October, Pearsall and Jauan Jennings are expected to start in Week 1. If Pearsall capitalizes on the early-season opportunity, it would go a long way toward validating the 49ers' decision to use their top pick on him in last year's draft.