Summary

Ricky Pearsall was selected in Round 1 (#31 Overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida. Pearsall emerged as Florida’s top offensive weapon in 2023 after transferring from Arizona State, posting 65 receptions for 965 yards and 4 touchdowns, while consistently drawing top coverage and defensive attention. He was named Second-Team All-SEC and gained national recognition for his advanced route running and highlight-level body control, including one of the most notable catches of the 2023 college season. Pearsall made some noise with his Senior Bowl invitation and has been widely praised for his competitiveness, toughness, football intelligence, and professionalism, earning strong character grades and respect from coaches and teammates alike. Pearsall was shot in the chest and survived, which is pretty gnarly if you ask me.

Strengths

• Elite Route Running: Advanced understanding of leverage, pacing, and separation allowing him to consistently creates space against man and zone coverage.

• Hands & Ball Skills: Strong, confident hands with excellent catch focus and wins through contact and in traffic. Pearsall had one of the most insane one-handed catches in college football history.

• Body Control: Exceptional ability to adjust mid-air and along the boundary and makes difficult, acrobatic catches look routine.

• Football IQ: Understands coverage structures and spacing and finds soft spots and works back to the quarterback. Quick feet and refined hand usage help him defeat press coverage despite average size.

Weaknesses

• Wear & Tear/Injury Concerns: Pearsall has been nagged by some soft-tissue injuries that have stunted his playing time and development arc.

• Explosiveness Off the Line: More quick than explosive and relies on technique to shake defenders rather than sudden burst.

• Ceiling vs. Floor: High floor player but may never hit the tier of domination that someone with his athletic profile and technical savvy should hit.

• Role Early in Career: May require scheme and timing to maximize production rather than pure isolation usage.

Outlook

Pearsall is an excellent fit for timing-based, rhythm passing offenses that value precision, spacing, and route detail—making him a natural match in systems like San Francisco’s. His ability to separate underneath and in the intermediate areas, combined with his toughness and football intelligence, allows him to contribute early as a reliable chain-mover and situational weapon. Pearsall thrives when used in motion, stacks, and condensed formations that give him free releases and allow him to manipulate leverage. Looking forward, Pearsall projects as a high-level complementary starter with the upside to develop into a dependable No. 2 receiver or elite slot/inside-out weapon. While he may never be a volume-dominant, speed-driven WR1, his polish, competitiveness, and consistency give him a strong chance to enjoy a long, productive NFL career. Coaches will trust him in critical downs, red-zone concepts, and playoff environments, where precision and toughness matter most.