Who Should I Start? Ricky Pearsall or Emeka Egbuka

Wednesday, August 6, 7:34 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has been "nearly unstoppable" during training camp practices in recent days, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. San Francisco may be leaning heavily on Pearsall to open 2025 with fellow wideouts Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Jauan Jennings (calf) both battling injuries. A first-round pick in 2024, Pearsall recorded 31 catches for 400 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games as a rookie. The 49ers should also heavily feature tight end George Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey in the passing game, but Pearsall is undoubtedly the team's WR1 while Aiyuk and Jennings are sidelined.

Wednesday, August 6, 7:12 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has been a standout performer in training camp practices, according to ESPN's Jenna Laine. Laine writes that Egbuka has "stepped into Chris Godwin's role as (Tampa Bay's) big slot receiver." With Godwin (ankle) potentially sidelined to start the regular season while he recovers from ankle surgery, Egbuka could be in line for significant playing time immediately. In his final collegiate season at Ohio State in 2024, Egbuka caught 81 passes for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games. The 22-year-old profiles as a fringe WR3/flex option with significant upside, particularly if Godwin struggles to return to full health in 2025.