Summary

Ricky Pearsall is a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 31st overall pick out of Arizona State. After a challenging rookie season marked by a shooting incident, he has emerged as a key contributor in the 2025 season.

Strengths

• Route Running: Pearsall is a precise and detailed route runner, particularly effective on deeper routes. He utilizes head fakes and body positioning to set up defenders, demonstrating a strong understanding of defensive leverage. Bleacher Report

• Ball Skills: He possesses excellent hands and tracking ability, making acrobatic catches over defensive backs.

• Versatility: Pearsall is versatile in his alignment, capable of playing both inside and outside, and has been effective in jet-sweep situations. Bleacher Report

• High Football IQ: Demonstrates a strong understanding of the game, including finding open spots in zone coverage and making plays in traffic. The Draft Network

Weaknesses

• Physicality: Lacks the ideal play strength to consistently handle aggressive, physical defenders, especially in press coverage. NFL Draft Buzz

• Speed: While he has good long speed, Pearsall is more of a build-up speed runner and lacks instant burst. Bleacher Report

• Route Flexibility: Occasionally struggles with flexibility and explosiveness, leading to clunky transitions in and out of breaks. Bleacher Report

• Blocking: Not a dominant run-blocker, which may limit his effectiveness in certain offensive schemes. Behind the Steel Curtain

Fit & Outlook

Pearsall's combination of route-running precision, ball skills, and football IQ makes him a promising talent in the NFL. While he continues to work on his physicality and speed, his recent performances indicate a potential breakout season ahead.