2024 Dynasty Rookie Post-Draft Update: Ricky Pearsall
The NFL Draft is behind us, rookie drafts are taking place, and as dynasty managers, we are looking ahead to the upcoming season. In our Dynasty Rookie Post-Draft Update series, we break down all the incoming fantasy-relevant rookies, looking at their profiles and where they fit. The basis of the rookie profile involves the usage of STORM analysis, focusing on five key components: Situation, Talent, Opportunity, Risk, and Market.
Situation
Name: Ricky Pearsall
Position: Wide Receiver
Pro Team: San Francisco 49ers
College Team: Florida
Draft Status: Round one, pick 31
Ricky Pearsall's selection in the first round of the NFL draft was a surprise to many, raising questions about his value in dynasty rookie drafts. Despite not surpassing 700 receiving yards in any of his first four seasons, he had a breakout year in 2023, coming close to reaching 1,000 receiving yards.
Pearsall's impressive 2023 season showcased his potential as a dynamic playmaker. His athleticism, combined with his route-running ability and strong hands, makes him a threat at all levels of the field.
His production in 2023 was not a fluke. He had shown flashes of his potential in previous seasons, but COVID, injuries, and poor QB play limited his opportunities. With a more pass-first QB and a prominent role in the offense, he was able to shine in his final college season. While some may not be convinced about Pearsall’s abilities, most will agree that the NFL draft capital and landing spot leave him as an intriguing prospect.
Courtesy of Sports Reference
As a true freshman, Pearsall struggled to see too much playing time, with future NFL players Brandon Aiyuk and Frank Darby ahead of him on the depth chart. His sophomore season was cut extremely short because of the Covid pandemic, so he only played four games in 2020. In his third season, Pearsall led all receivers by over 100 yards, but it doesn’t stand out as an amazing season because of the low-volume nature of a young Jayden Daniels-led offense. Pearsall’s senior season saw him transfer to the University of Florida, where once again he led all receivers in a low-volume pass offense. Finally, in his fifth season, he took another step forward as a player while also getting some help from an upgraded pass offense.
