2024 Player Outlook
Ricky Pearsall made the right move transferring from Arizona State to Florida where he was able to shine (and also make arguably one of the greatest college football catches of all time). That earned him first round draft capital by way of the San Francisco 49ers in the 2024 NFL Draft. Now, because of how often fullback Kyle Juszczyk plays, the 49ers offense is not particularly friendly to WR3s. But, if anything happens with Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk via injury or trade, Pearsall could find himself in a position to break out.
Player News
Saints WR Chris Olave was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list.
According to Saints beat writer Nick Underhill, Olave is dealing with “a little back tightness” and is expected to be fine. Olave has totaled 1,000-plus yards in each of his first two seasons in the league while amassing 159 receptions. The 2022 first-rounder is expected to once again serve as the Saints WR1 and should be primed for another productive fantasy season once healthy. We’d expect him to return sooner rather than later. In addition to Olave, the Saints also placed tight end Juwan Johnson and EDGE Chase Young on the PUP list. They can be removed from the list at any time, but are both dealing with injuries from earlier this offseason.
49ers WR Ricky Pearsall was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list.
It’s not expected to be a serious absence for Pearsall as he participated in a non-contact jersey in the spring. The rookie first-round pick is expected to mix into the wideout rotation with the Brandon Aiyuk contract saga ongoing. Rookies have reported to 49ers camp and while Pearsall is on the injury list to start, fellow rookie wideout Jacob Cowing will get some looks to start.
49ers signed No. 31 overall pick WR Ricky Pearsall to a four-year, $12.5 million contract.
Pearsall was the last unsigned member of the 49ers 2024 draft class. The former Florida Gator was a surprise first-round pick by them earlier this year, and could step into an early role if the contract situation with Brandon Aiyuk isn’t resolved. Pearsall played 58.2 percent of his career snaps from the slot, but can be moved all over the formation in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. He’s been a late-round dart throw in fantasy drafts, but it could take just one trade/injury for him to see a significant role.
49ers selected Florida WR Ricky Pearsall with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Pearsall (6’1/189) began his career at Arizona State but didn’t see the field much until his third and final season as a Sun Devil. He went for 580 yards and four scores that year. He then transferred to Florida ahead of the 2022 season. Pearsall’s target share dipped in his first season in Gainesville, but he more than made up for that with absurd gains in his efficiency numbers. He averaged 2.41 yards per route run in 2022 and held steady at 2.23 in the following season. Pearsall peaked at 65 catches for 963 yards in his second and final season at Florida. A sudden player off the line of scrimmage, Pearsall does most of his damage before the catch point. He doesn’t bring much to the table after the catch but gets open quickly with crisp routes and neat footwork. Pearsall will be a plug-and-play slot receiver for San Francisco as a rookie. His addition will also fuel the flames of a potential Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel trade. Both players have reportedly come up in talks, though the fact that neither was moved on the first night of the draft suggests they will both be on the roster for the 2024 season.
DFS Last 5
Week | Date | Opponent | Pts |
---|---|---|---|
18 | Jan 5th | @Cardinals | 18.9 |
17 | Dec 31st | Lions | 31.7 |
16 | Dec 22nd | @Dolphins | 7.7 |
15 | Dec 13th | Rams | 2.6 |
14 | Dec 8th | Bears | 1.5 |
13 | Dec 2nd | @Bills |