The San Francisco 49ers have made significant strides in bolstering their defense during the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting 11 players with a strong emphasis on defensive positions. This approach has led to notable shifts in player roles, particularly affecting key individuals on the roster.

Among the winners, Robert Saleh gains new talent on defense following the offseason departures of Charvarius Ward, Dre Greenlaw, and Talanoa Hufanga. Ricky Pearsall emerges as a key beneficiary of the Niners' decision to delay drafting a wide receiver until the fourth round, securing a more prominent role after Deebo Samuel's exit. Conversely, Brock Purdy faces challenges as the team neglected to enhance his offensive weapons and only added one offensive lineman, which may hinder his performance following a season of being sacked 31 times. Isaac Guerendo, the promising young running back, may see reduced opportunities with the drafting of Jordan James, likely limiting his snaps despite a strong rookie season.

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, fantasy football enthusiasts are gearing up for their drafts and looking for undervalued wide receivers. Notable names include Ricky Pearsall from the San Francisco 49ers, who, despite a rocky start due to injuries, showed promise with an impressive average of 18.6 points per game in the latter part of 2024. Meanwhile, Christian Kirk's trade to the Houston Texans positions him as the potential No. 2 receiver, particularly after Stefon Diggs' departure.

Marvin Mims Jr. from the Denver Broncos also stands out after finishing strong last season, averaging 22.9 points in the final weeks. Other exciting sleeper picks include Jayden Higgins, Jalen Coker, and Cedric Tillman, all of whom demonstrated significant upside in their recent performances. With the right strategy, these players could provide excellent return on investment in fantasy leagues.

The San Francisco 49ers are facing a potential reshuffling of their wide receiver strategy in the upcoming NFL draft following Brandon Aiyuk's recent injury update. Reports indicate that Aiyuk, who is recovering from an ACL tear with additional knee damage, might not make his return until mid-season, raising concerns about his ability to perform at a high level immediately upon return. As a result, the 49ers may need to prioritize acquiring a new wide receiver earlier than expected in the 2025 draft.

The current depth chart lacks experience without Aiyuk, with players like Jauan Jennings showing promise but others like Ricky Pearsall, Jacob Cowing, and DeMarcus Robinson remaining as unproven options. Even if Aiyuk returns to the field, the 49ers are likely to seek a wide receiver in the draft to bolster their roster. However, the team is cautious about selecting a wide receiver too high given their other pressing needs, suggesting that a Day 2 pick could be more feasible.

In Dynasty fantasy football, seizing undervalued players poised for breakout seasons can yield tremendous rewards. Targets like Rashid Shaheed of the New Orleans Saints, who has demonstrated superior production compared to teammate Chris Olave, are prime candidates. With a favorable target share from quarterback Derek Carr and a resolved knee injury, Shaheed is positioned as the Saints' WR1 and is available at a bargain price.

Similarly, Ricky Pearsall of the San Francisco 49ers has shown potential, especially after Deebo Samuel's trade to the Washington Commanders clears a path for him. Pearsall's impressive late-season performance makes him a compelling add to any roster, especially in a dynamic offense orchestrated by head coach Kyle Shanahan.

Finally, Tank Bigsby of the Jacksonville Jaguars is undervalued following last year's coaching turmoil. With new offensive coordinator Liam Coen, Bigsby's skills can shine more brightly, and he has the potential to outproduce teammate Travis Etienne Jr. Stashing these players now could pay off significantly in the 2025 season.

Targeting undervalued players can be a strategic path to success in dynasty fantasy football. Players like Rashid Shaheed of the New Orleans Saints, Ricky Pearsall of the San Francisco 49ers, and Travis Etienne Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars have potential to exceed their current market values. Shaheed's early-season performances indicate he might be the primary target for Derek Carr, while Pearsall's rise seems imminent as the 49ers alter their wide receiver dynamics after Deebo Samuel's trade. Meanwhile, Etienne's fortunes could change under the new Jaguars coaching regime, which previously excelled at maximizing running back outputs.