2024 Stat Predictions for NFL’s Top Rookie Wide Receivers

While in a contract dispute with wideout Brandon Aiyuk, the San Francisco 49ers made a practical selection with the No. 31 pick in the draft, taking Ricky Pearsall.

General manager John Lynch wants to retain Aiyuk, though the two sides have yet to reach an agreement on an extension.

Aiyuk and fellow wide receiver Jauan Jennings have skipped 49ers’ OTAs as they seek new deals.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that Pearsall can benefit from soaking up more reps while Aiyuk and Jennings skip OTAs.

“Yeah, I always think the more reps you get, the more experience you get, the more different situations you can be put in,” Shanahan said in a press conference Tuesday. “I mean, if you’re talented enough and made of the right stuff, you only get better. But sometimes it’s hard to generate those things, especially in a practice when it’s not full speed all the time and things like that. So the more reps you can get of it, always helps the right type of player.”

While Pearsall can take advantage of opportunities on the practice field, he will be the No. 3 wide receiver at best if Aiyuk returns to the team for the regular season. Though Deebo Samuel has a hybrid role, he’s registered at least 56 receptions in three consecutive campaigns.

Tight end George Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey also see a high number of targets relative to their respective positions.

San Francisco may also want to get rookie fourth-rounder Jacob Cowing involved in the passing offense, too.

Pearsall isn’t an explosive playmaker; he’s more of a chain-mover whose impact won’t show in all the box scores unless one or two of the 49ers’ top pass-catchers miss time.

Keep in mind that Shanahan operates a run-heavy offense. San Francisco has ranked 26th or lower in passing attempts for each of the last three seasons.

Stat prediction: 24 receptions, 283 yards, 1 touchdown