San Francisco 49ers select Ricky Pearsall in first round of 2024 NFL Draft

Florida receiver Ricky Pearsall has been selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, taken with the No. 31 overall pick.

Pearsall emerged as one of the biggest up-and-comers in the draft process after impressive workouts at the NFL Combine and at his Pro Day.

At the NFL Combine, Pearsall turned in a blazing 4.41-second 40-yard dash at 6 foot 1, 189 pounds. He also recorded a 10-9 broad jump and a 42-inch vertical jump.

That highlighted the kind of athleticism the Florida star showed on the field last fall.

Pearsall was the top target for the Gators and had a productive two seasons with the Gators after transferring in from Arizona State. He nearly reached 1,000 yards receiving as a senior, topping out at 65 catches for 965 yards and four touchdowns.

In five college seasons Pearsall totaled 159 catches for 2,420 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also showed some ability running out of the backfield, scoring five rushing touchdowns.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Ricky Pearsall

Pearsall made himself quite a good bit of money in the pre-draft process, wowing scouts with his speed and athleticism. That showed up on tape at Florida.

He had some ridiculously acrobatic catches, showing the ability to locate the football in the air.

If there are question marks about Pearsall they are about his polish as a route-runner, something that could make or break his stint in the NFL.

Writes NFL Network analyst Lance Zierlein in evaluating Ricky Pearsall:

“Dependable slot target with good size and soft hands who will need to prove that he has the ability to free himself against NFL man coverage. Pearsall might get the stereotypical “crafty route runner” label, but it suits him. He appears to play with an idea of how to manipulate certain coverage looks and leverages. He also plays with attention to detail and a consistent route tempo to create windows, but lacks ideal foot quickness to beat press and maintain separation.

“While the hands are reliable, he’s not physical enough to tilt contested catches in his favor and might have a ceiling of quality backup with punt-return value.”