Rookie Profile: Ricky Pearsall, Wide Receiver, San Fransisco 49ers
This is the Rookie Profile for Ricky Pearsall. Hailing from Chandler, Arizona, Pearsall attended Arizona State University after graduating from Corona Del Sol High School. He received a 3-star rating from ESPN and 247 Sports.
In his first two years at Arizona State under Herm Edwards, Pearsall had little impact with the Sun Devils. He played 17 games, caught 13 receptions, and combined for 214 yards with 1 touchdown. Pearsall was teammates with both Brandon Aiyuk and Jayden Daniels at Arizona State.
In 2021, Pearsall emerged as a standout player, participating in all 13 games. He led Arizona State University with 48 catches for 580 yards and 4 touchdowns. Additionally, he demonstrated his versatility on offense by carrying the ball 6 times for 44 yards and a touchdown.
In 2022, Pearsall decided to showcase his talent in the SEC by joining Florida and playing alongside Anthony Richardson. He exhibited his deep-threat ability by finishing 4th in college football with an average of 20 yards per reception while leading Florida in both receiving yards and touchdowns. In total, he caught 33 passes for 661 yards and 5 touchdowns. It was a sign of things to come.
He saved his best performance for last, in 2023, setting career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns with 65 receptions, 965 yards, and 4 touchdowns.
Pearsall’s hype rose after his stellar NFL Combine performance. Where he scored a 9.91 RAS, certifying the hype about how dynamic a player he is. In the 2024 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected him as the 31st overall pick and the sixth wide receiver off the board.
Measurables
Draft Capital & Landing Spot
Draft Capital- Round 1 Pick 31
- When reviewing the tape on Pearsall, it became evident that he was a much better player than the statistics indicated. The 49ers agreed and took him at pick 31 in the first round. The NFL’s valuation of him as a first-round pick in dynasty may have surprised some in the community. His versatility in playing all three wide receiver positions and his skill in beating man coverage set him apart from other rookies in his class. It’s why San Fransisco took him in round 1.
Landing Spot- San Fransisco
- Pearsall lands in the dream spot with Kyle Shanahan in San Fransisco. In 2023, Pearsall will be the 49ers’ 3rd wide receiver and will likely start as the slot wide receiver. Despite the competition, his ability to beat man coverage will keep him on the field and involved in the offense from day 1. His role is expected to grow, and by 2025, when San Francisco moves on from Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall has the opportunity to play in two wide receiver sets and be an impact player for the offense.
Team Depth Chart
Expected Role: Slot Wide Receiver
Depth Chart via Fantasy Pros
Fantasy Impact
Pearsall is the dream pick in the middle of round two of rookie drafts. He is being discounted due to all the talent already on the 49ers roster. I believe in Pearsall’s talent, and I think it’s the perfect time to invest in him. The opportunity for him to become an impact player could present itself as soon as 2024. If you can be patient in dynasty, you will be rewarded, as Pearsall is a versatile wide receiver who can be utilized all over the field by Shanahan.Currently, I have him ranked inside my top 30 dynasty wide receivers.
Check out The Fantasy Football Universe Sneak Peek Video of Ricky Pearsall
Check out our 2024 Rookie Rankings Page for a full breakdown of this rookie class.
