Ricky Pearsall — 2026 Fantasy Outlook

Across his final three college seasons split between Arizona State and Florida, Pearsall hauled in 146 of 217 targets for 2,206 yards and 13 touchdowns, chipping in as a ball carrier as well (17/219). His 15.1 yards per reception is an eye-catching number for a player most scouts projected as a slot receiver at the next level. His five best outings were spread across 2022 and 2023 (5/103/1, 5/148/1, 6/123/1, 10/166/1, and 7/103).

San Francisco valued him enough to spend the 31st overall pick on him in the 2024 draft. At the combine, Pearsall ran a 4.41 and put up 17 reps on the bench, a combination of speed and strength that fits what the 49ers want from their receivers. His route running translates well to the pro game, and his hands grade as assets. Pearsall’s area to watch is his release against physical corners at the line — if he can win that battle more consistently, his ability to carve up zone coverage could make him a real problem for defenses.

Pearsall’s rookie season never got off the ground. A shoulder injury wiped out his first six games, and he never fully seized a prominent role after returning, finishing with just 17 catches for 190 yards and one touchdown on 28 targets. Pearsall closed the year on an encouraging note, delivering back-to-back performances worth watching (8/147/1 and 6/69/1 on 18 combined targets) while earning WR3 and WR1 snap counts in those two matchups.

After three games in 2025, Pearsall gave the appearance of a draft-day steal (4/108, 4/56, and 8/117). Unfortunately, he missed nine of the 49ers’ final 16 matchups, leading to only two more games (6/96 and 5/85) of value. Pearsall failed to score all season while batting with a lingering right knee injury (PCL), followed by a late ankle issue.