What the 49ers Want to See from Ricky Pearsall in OTAs

Pearsall is not a developmental prospect -- he'll be 24 as a rookie. So it would be helpful for the 49ers to know exactly how good he really is right now. What better way to find out than to play him with and against the starters?

Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (1) walks on the field during Gator Walk at Steve / Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun / USA

Ricky Pearsall has an intriguing opportunity this offseason.

Normally, a rookie wide receiver such as him would play with and against the backups during OTAs. The 49ers would break him in slowly, get his feet wet. But this year, Brandon Aiyuk could hold out, because he wants a contract extension with the 49ers, and that's what Bosa did last year when he wanted an extension. He held out until four days before the regular season started. So if Aiyuk holds out, Pearsall might take his place in the starting lineup during offseason practices.

Pearsall is not a developmental prospect -- he'll be 24 as a rookie. So it would be helpful for the 49ers to know exactly how good he really is right now. What better way to find out than to play him with and against the starters? In OTAs when the 49ers install their offense, they can install it with Pearsall playing Aiyuk's position. And in training camp when the players put on pads, the 49ers can watch Pearsall match up with Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir every day, both in 1-on-1 drills and 11-on-11 team scrimmages. If Pearsall can hold his own against those two, he just might be a good player.

In addition, Pearsall will get lots of reps with Brock Purdy while Aiyuk is away from the team. So Pearsall will have an opportunity to build chemistry with the franchise quarterback who's only a few months older than him.

The 49ers will get an entire offseason to see what the offense looks like with Pearsall in Aiyuk's spot. If the offense looks good, they might be less inclined to capitulate to Aiyuk's contract demands. If the offense looks horrible, they might be desperate to give him what he wants.

So much depends on Pearsall.