Expectations for Ricky Pearsall, 49ers' Top Rookies in Preseason

Preseason games might just be an appetizer for NFL fans and a hassle for league veterans, but they are huge opportunities for rookies around the league.

The exhibition games are a chance for first-year players to get their feet wet. Experience what it's like to execute the schemes and philosophies they've been learning since getting drafted (or signed) back in April and May.

For rookies on a team like the 49ers, it's the first chance to prove that you can contribute on a team with Super Bowl aspirations. Of course, that's not in the card for every rookie.

Here, we'll take a look at some of the top prospects that San Francisco added to their team and establishing some expectations for the preseason games.

WR Ricky Pearsall

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Ricky Pearsall

Expectation: Show He's Healthy and Ready to Contribute

Ricky Pearsall was a bit of a surprising first-round pick for the 49ers at No. 1. The former Florida wideout was the 12th-ranked receiver and 66th overall prospect on our scouting department's final big board.

Drafting Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel in back-to-back seasons should help give the Niners front office the benefit of the doubt. But Danny Gray was the next receiver they took on the first two days of the draft and Gray has not exactly panned out thus far.

The rookie's training camp didn't get off to a great start. He was forced to the non-football injury list after suffering a hamstring injury while working out away from the team's facility leading up to training camp.

Hamstring injuries have a way of continually cropping back up if they aren't completely healed. With Pearsall just now returning to full practices, he needs to show that he has completely recovered and the hamstring won't become a lingering issue.

Brandon Aiyuk's holdout is still ongoing so it's crucial that Pearsall shows he's a trustworthy target ready to play right away.

CB Renardo Green

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Renardo Green

Expectation: Become the No. 3 Cornerback

The Niners again showed they would trust their board with their second-round pick. Renardo Green was No. 167 on our big board, but the Niners used the 64th selection to take the cornerback out of Florida State.

Thus far, early reports would indicate they made the right choice. Shrine Bowl Director of Football Ops Eric Galko called Green the best man/press corner in this year's draft in response to a highlight of Green breaking up a pass to Jauan Jennings at camp.

The hype for Green is important to note because the 49ers really need him to become the team's third cornerback. Charvarius Ward is undoubtedly the team's top cover man. Deommodore Lenoir is No. 2 and he has the ability to play both inside and out so it paves the way for the next most-talented cornerback to fill in that third role.

It's an important job because the Niners play so much nickel. The expectation should be that Green steps up and takes that role from the likes of Isaac Yiadom and Ambry Thomas sooner rather than later.

IOL Dominick Puni

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Dominick Puni

Expectation: Show He's Ready to Start

The 49ers might just need third-round pick Dominick Puni to start. Earning a starting role as an offensive linemen picked outside of the first round is a tall task. It wouldn't be fair to flat-out just expect Puni to start after the preseason.

Yet, it shouldn't be ruled out.

Jon Feliciano and Spencer Burford shared the right guard job last season. The expectation at the beginning of camp was that the two would duke it out for the role again this year.

Unfortunately for Burford, a broken hand will cost him at least a few weeks depending on whether he needs surgery.

That has opened a path for Puni to get more reps and he's reportedly been impressive in his opportunties. He has worked with the starters and appears to be challenging Feliciano for the job.

Expecting a rookie to beat out the 32-year-old with 61 career starts might be a bit unfair. It's possible, but the expectation should be that the rookie show's he's ready to be the first lineman off the bench if they have an injury.