ESPN insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano shared the latest NFL buzz heading into Week 1 of the 2025 season, including which players could "come out of nowhere" to surprise fans and make a lasting impact this year. Fowler named San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall as a strong candidate to do just that.
Pearsall's rookie campaign in 2024 got off to a difficult start. The former first-round pick missed the first six games after suffering a gunshot wound to the chest during a robbery attempt. Once he returned, it took time to find his footing, but he flashed his potential while amassing 31 receptions for 400 yards and three touchdowns.
Now entering his second season, Pearsall has been building strong chemistry with quarterback Brock Purdy throughout training camp—something the 49ers hope translates into the regular season and sparks a breakout performance for the 24-year-old receiver.
"The 49ers' receiver room has been decimated by injury, with Brandon Aiyuk still recovering from last season's knee injury and Jauan Jennings (calf) potentially needing time to ramp up after recently returning to the lineup," Fowler wrote. "And word out of San Francisco is that Pearsall is poised for a Year 2 jump."
Despite finishing 6-11 in 2024, the 49ers offense still ranked fourth in the NFL in both total yards and passing yards. The unit's consistency bodes well for Pearsall, who should benefit from Kyle Shanahan's creative play-calling and Purdy's ability to spread the ball around.
"The 49ers have been a top-five passing offense during Brock Purdy's two full seasons as starting quarterback, so chances at chunk yardage will be there," Fowler added. "Kyle Shanahan will make it so."
As a starter, Pearsall has an opportunity to make an impact right away. If his offseason chemistry with Purdy carries over, the young wideout could emerge as one of the NFL's biggest surprises in 2025.
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