49ers Receiver Labeled Top 2025 Breakout Candidate Despite Injury

On Monday, June 2, Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report released a list of every NFL team’s top summer breakout candidate, and for the San Francisco 49ers, he chose Ricky Pearsall. 

Pearsall, 24, was San Francisco’s first round draft pick last season; the 49ers chose him with the 31st overall pick in the 2024 draft out of the University of Florida. 

Pearsall caught the 49ers’ attention after a stellar senior season for the Gators in 2023, during which he accumulated 1,153 all-purpose yards and scored six touchdowns, including four receiving and two rushing. 

Ballentine sees Pearsall as a candidate to get a lot of touches this summer as the Niners gear up for the season, given Brandon Aiyuk’s injury as well as the departure of former 49ers star Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders. 

Pearsall’s emergence would be vital for Brock Purdy, who just signed a 5-year, $265 million extension with the 49ers on May 20, 2025, and the San Francisco offense as a whole.