As we race toward August, Footballguys.com will look at one team per weekday with our quick-hitting Team Sleepers feature, where we check out the players we think will surprise this year.
Go Deeper: See in-depth projections for every 49ers player here >>>
This is a weekday series that will stretch through July 30. If you like this and want another, come back the next workday. Another will be here.
Sleepers We Are Targeting on the 49ers
We asked the Footballguys staff to identify a player they believe will outperform their current draft price.
- WR Ricky Pearsall Jr. - 7 votes
- QB Brock Purdy - 4 votes
- TE George Kittle - 1 votes
- RB Elijah Mitchell - 1 votes
- LB De'Vondre Campbell - 1 votes
- No One - 1 votes
Reasons Ricky Pearsall Could Be a Sleeper
- Julia Papworth: With the potential of the Niners still moving on from either Deebo or Brandon Aiyuk this season, rookie Ricky Pearsall could be on the precipice of becoming the WR2 for one of the most efficient offenses in football.
- Hutchinson Brown: Pearsall is an extremely versatile, explosive talent who could do great things in a Kyle Shanahan offense, even without Aiyuk or Samuel getting dealt away. But, if Samuel or Aiyuk did get traded this offseason Pearsall’s ADP will skyrocket, so invest in his cheap price now!
- Dave Kluge: He's projected little volume as is, but injuries to Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, or George Kittle would all put him in a position to play meaningful snaps.
- Corey Spala: There are two reasons for which Ricky Pearsall would be considered a sleeper: A trade to Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel, or an injury to an offensive playmaker.
- Jeff Haseley: Especially if Brandon Aiyuk moves on to a different team. Maybe Isaac Guerendo is a goal-line option in the event Christian McCaffrey misses any time.
- Bob Harris: The 49ers used the 31st overall pick on Ricky Pearsall, but it's not clear if he'll be a factor this season. That said, I'm willing to spend an 11th or 12th-round pick to land the WR66 on Underdog to find out.
- Ryan Weisse: If I were betting, there would be no sleeper on this offense. But until the Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors clear up, Pearsall has some value as the next player up.
Photos provided by Imagn Images
