Here’s a tight, actionable read on Ricky Pearsall (SF) for 2025 fantasy football.

- Role/Projected role
  - Likely SF’s WR3/WR4 behind Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk; early-season role volatile, with upside if injuries or scheme shifts push him into more targets.
  - Preseason note suggests a versatile usage (4 wide, 3 in the slot)—could fill multiple alignment roles, but SF’s pass volume leans run-heavy.

- 2024/late-2024 signal (sentiment the community is leaning on)
  - Late-season spike: Weeks 17–18 showed big output when Deebo and Aiyuk sat, including 9.0 targets per game, ~105 receiving YPG, and two TDs in a two-game window.
  - Efficiency signals: 1.32 yards per route run (YPRR) last season, in line with top range peers; demonstrated ability to produce when given opportunities.
  - Route share spike: two monster games came with heavy route involvement; not representative of a full-season role, but confirms upside when asked.
  - ADP momentum: rising across platforms; drafted in the end of the 12th round (roughly pick 98–118 range in many mocks), indicating rising perceived upside.

- Why the community is bullish (and what to watch)
  - Positive narrative: Pearsall is a rising, affordable dart throw with real weekly upside in the right matchups.
  - Comparable upside to other late-round WR3/WR4 targets; potential for multiple 17+ point games if he secures a larger share or if injuries hit the top two WRs.
  - Rookie trend: many analysts expect him to climb in value as he gains experience; some discussions position him as a preferred late-round target versus other rookies/backs in SF’s WR group.

- Key risks and tensions
  - High competition: Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk remain the core; Pearsall must win snaps to become a weekly starter.
  - Offense ceiling: SF is traditionally run-first; even with a slot role, target volume can be unpredictable week-to-week.
  - Dependence on injuries/inactive weeks: his standout weeks were in games when top WRs were out; that volatility will be a real part of his profile.
  - Job security vs other young WRs (e.g., if a teammate rises or if another rookie earns a push) can cap upside.

- Draft/roster strategy (actionable)
  - Value target: In best-ball or deeper leagues, Pearsall around the end of the 12th round (ADP ~98–119) is worth a roster spot for upside; in shallower leagues, consider passing if you’re already locked in safer high-floor receivers.
  - Use case: stash in dynasty/keeper or as a bench/periodic-flex option with weekly upside; avoid relying on him as a weekly starter unless injuries create a clear path to volume.
  - Monitor camp notes: signs of an expanded role (more slot targets, consistent snap counts) would enhance the case to push him up a round or two.

- Realistic 2025 projections (conservative to optimistic)
  - Target share: low-to-mid teens if active; higher in weeks top WRs are out or in favorable matchups.
  - Raw stats: roughly 50–70 targets, 30–45 receptions, 350–450 yards, 2–4 TDs.
  - PPR fantasy points: roughly 60–95 PPR points (with spikes in weeks where he’s deployed heavily).
  - Floor/ceiling: floor is flexible (rare weeks with 3–5 points); ceiling feasible in SF-wide games with favorable pass volume (10+ points in several weeks if used heavily).

- What to monitor going forward
  - Camp/OTAs reports on target share and alignment (slot vs outside).
  - Health/injury status of top two WRs; any shift in the offense’s passing volume.
  - Depth chart movement from preseason to Week 1; any emergence of another WR threatening Pearsall’s role.
  - ADP movement: continued rise could push him out of “value dart throw” territory.

Bottom line: Pearsall is a credible late-round upside stash in 2025. He’s not a reliable weekly starter, but the combination of efficient play, late-season spike potential, and rising ADP makes him a realistic second-half fade-in-or-out gamble, especially in best-ball or deeper formats.