ESPN's team of NFL contributors recently shared their 2025 predictions, each highlighting one team, coach, or player poised for a breakout season. National reporter Lindsey Thiry selected San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, the team's 2024 first-round draft pick, as her choice.
"The 49ers drafted Pearsall with the intention that he would play a larger role in his second season, but after recovering from a gunshot wound, he was needed earlier than anticipated following a series of injuries to teammates," Thiry wrote.
Pearsall missed the 49ers' first six games after being shot during a robbery attempt. His NFL debut came in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs, the same game wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk suffered a season-ending ACL injury.
Despite the early setback, Pearsall finished the season with 31 receptions for 400 yards and three touchdowns. He flashed his potential late in the year, with his best performance coming in Week 17 against the Detroit Lions, where he hauled in eight passes for 141 yards and a touchdown.
Pearsall could see even more opportunities in 2025.
"After a full offseason with quarterback Brock Purdy, along with the likely departure of Deebo Samuel Sr. (requested a trade), Pearsall will prove why the 49ers took him in the first round," Thiry added.
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