49ers draft Ricky Pearsall: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel

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49ers draft Ricky Pearsall: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel

The San Francisco 49ers selected Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall with the No. 31 pick in Thursday’s first round of the NFL Draft.

The day began with speculation the 49ers could look to trade one of their top receivers — Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel. They didn’t trade either of them — but did take one of Aiyuk’s former teammates in Pearsall, who started his college career at Arizona State and was teammates with Aiyuk there in 2019.

Pearsall, largely projected as a second-round pick, boasts some excellent short-area quickness metrics, which 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan has long coveted for his inside receiving positions. And Pearsall has been a steady punt returner in college — and the 49ers have also been looking or a solution at that position.

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‘The Beast’ breakdown

Pearsall ranked No. 45 in Dane Brugler’s Top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide:

A two-year starter at Florida, Pearsall was schemed across the formation in head coach Billy Napier’s offense, doing most of his work (62.0 percent) from the slot. After three seasons at Arizona State, including time spent learning from Brandon Aiyuk in 2019, he moved on to Florida in 2022 and had a career season in ‘23, leading the Gators in receiving. With his play speed and footwork, Pearsall earned the nickname “Slick Rick,” because of the rhythmic movements he uses to shake free in his routes or make a defender miss in the quick game. Though he can be outmuscled at times versus press or at the top of routes, he has Velcro hands and never shies from attacking throws that lead him into impending contact. Overall, Pearsall wasn’t a home-run hitter on tape, but he is a reliable receiving option with the route quickness and ball skills to quickly become a favorite target for an NFL quarterback. He has the skill set and toughness to work inside or outside and return punts at the next level.

Why he’s a first-round pick

Pearsall was Florida’s leading receiver over the past two seasons, including a career-high 65 catches for 965 yards as a senior in 2023.

According to reporters on hand, including The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, Pearsall stood out in the Senior Bowl in one-on-one and 11-on-11 scenarios. The 49ers no doubt also received positive reviews from former Arizona State head coach Herm Edwards, who talked up Aiyuk to John Lynch and the 49ers before the 2020 draft.

Scott Dochterman grades the pick

This feels like either a reach or an insurance policy in case Brandon Aiyuk ends up getting dealt. Florida receiver Ricky Pearsall will make some tough catches and could wind up running plenty of interior routes alongside tight end George Kittle. A five-year veteran with three seasons at Arizona State and his final two at Florida, Pearsall (6-1, 189) has built a reputation for his toughness and ability to haul in difficult catches. Last year with the Gators, Pearsall caught 65 balls for 965 yards (14.8 yards per catch) and four scores. As a junior, Pearsall averaged 20.0 yards per catch (33-661) with five scores. At the combine, Pearsall ran a 4.41-second 40 and had a 42-inch vertical jump.

GradeB-

Come back for more analysis of Pearsall later.

(Photo: Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images)