49ers WR Ricky Pearsall: A 'name to watch' for 2025 breakout

Bleacher Report's Damian Parson recently revisited the 2024 NFL Draft wide receiver class, evaluating which second-year players are poised to make a leap. One standout on his list: San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who overcame early adversity to flash serious potential in his rookie season.

Pearsall's NFL journey began with a frightening setback—he was shot in the chest during a robbery attempt just before the start of the 2024 season. Remarkably, he survived and only missed six games, returning to play a key role down the stretch.

Pearsall finished his rookie campaign with 31 receptions for 400 yards and three touchdowns. He ended the season on a high note, hauling in 14 catches for 210 yards and two touchdowns over the final two games. That late surge likely contributed to Parson's optimism about Pearsall's potential entering 2025.

"On tape, Pearsall won his one-on-one matchups against man coverage," Parson wrote. "He is the type of receiver who will excel inside Kyle Shanahan's West Coast scheme.

"Pearsall's work against zone defense is outstanding. With his arrow trending upward after receiver Deebo Samuel's trade, Pearsall has a big chance to take the starting position opposite Brandon Aiyuk (who's recovering from a torn ACL)."

Pearsall and veteran Jauan Jennings are expected to be the Week 1 starting wideouts until Aiyuk is back at full strength, likely later in the season.

While veteran Demarcus Robinson was also added in the offseason, he could face a three-game suspension to begin the year, making Pearsall's role even more critical early on.

The 49ers clearly have faith in Pearsall, and so does Parson.

"The sample size is small, but Pearsall displayed the route running, space creation, and downfield speed to become a problem for opponents," Parson explained. "Quarterback Brock Purdy received his deserved payday, and when on the field together, Pearsall received opportunities to produce. His strengths mesh well with Purdy's play style and the areas of the field he wants to frequent.

"Heading into year two and going through a full offseason without any issue, Pearsall is a name to watch as training camp kicks off next month. He has a real chance to be one of the 49ers' leading receivers in 2025."