Ricky Pearsall | Florida 6’1” 189 lbs. 09/09/2000 (Age 23)
Ricky Pearsall was drafted 31st overall by the San Francisco 49ers, becoming the sixth wide receiver and 31st overall player in the 2024 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
| Year | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Yards/Catch | TDs |
| 2019 (FR) | 13 | 7 | 128 | 18.3 | 0 |
| 2020 (SO) | 4 | 6 | 86 | 14.3 | 1 |
| 2021 (JR) | 13 | 48 | 580 | 12.1 | 4 |
| 2022 (SR) | 13 | 33 | 661 | 20.0 | 5 |
| 2023 (SR) | 12 | 65 | 965 | 14.8 | 4 |
After three seasons at Arizona State, with minimal production, Pearsall turned heads during his two seasons at Florida University. He became the Gators’ top receiver in 2023 after producing team-highs with 65 receptions and 965 receiving yards. He also found the end zone six times (four receiving and two rushing). During his five seasons, he earned no awards but entered the 2023 season on the Biletnikoff Award watch list (did not finish as a finalist). In 55 career games, he hauled in a total of 159 receptions for 2,420 yards and 14 touchdowns.
FILM
STRENGTHS
Dependable slot receiver with good size, great leaping abilities, and soft hands. Natural ability to separate at the line of scrimmage and can get open deep down the field, as he showcases great top-line speed. Shows off playmaking skills in the open field as both a receiver and a returner. Makes sharp cuts and can avoid contact in some of his deeper routes. Able to haul in low-percentage receptions, as he lays out with full effort when the ball is misfired. Can be used as a weapon on the outside in jet sweeps and pitches out of the backfield.
WEAKNESSES
Below average foot quickness against press coverage. Aggressive corners typically have his way when defending him. May be limited at the pro level because of how much he struggled against press coverage in college. Looks slower on tape than he showcases during his combine drills. Needs to work on his balance off the point of attack and is inconsistent as a run blocker.
ATHLETIC TESTING
At the NFL Combine, Pearsall measured in at 6’1” and 189 lbs., which equates to a BMI of 24.9. He ran a solid 4.41 40-yard dash (90th percentile), equating to a 99.9-speed score (71st percentile). Pearsall also displayed a 135.9 burst score (98th percentile), a 10.69 agility score (97th percentile), a 10.44 catch radius (99th percentile), and a college dominator score of 26.8 percent (44th percentile).
Pearsall shows strength, as his 17 reps on the bench press at the NFL Combine were tied for the sixth most among all wide receivers. He showcased tremendous leaping abilities with a 42” vertical and a 129” broad jump. His biggest red flag would be his length, as his arm length (30 ⅞”) and wingspan (73 ⅝”) are both below average for a wide receiver (29 percentile or worse in both).
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Poor
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Poor
Pearsall was selected with the 31st overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers.
There were trade speculations surrounding Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, and the 49ers ended up making the selection on the speedster from Florida. With a likely departure from either Samuel or Aiyuk in the next couple of years, Pearsall may see some great production in 2025 but 2024 may not be a great year for him in fantasy terms.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
I have Pearsall as my 11th wide receiver in this class. Keon Coleman, Adonai Mitchell, Troy Franklin, Ladd McConkey, and Xavier Legette were all higher on my board. Pearsall steps in as the clear WR3 for this team ahead of Jauan Jennings.
In your rookie drafts, Pearsall should be an early-to-mid second-round pick. He may not see a ton of production in 2024 but should see decent numbers in the years following his rookie season.
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