San Francisco 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall (14) - Robert Kupbens/USA TODAY Sports
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected wide receiver, Ricky Pearsall. The 49ers selected Pearsall with the 31st overall draft pick in the first round. Now, with time to reflect on the potential of the draft picks, it is time to dive into his potential with the team. Here is a look at the receiver’s history playing in college, and what can be expected of him in the NFL.
Ricky Pearsall: Florida Gator
While getting to know what the young receiver will bring to the Niners, it is important to look at his collegiate career. Pearsall began his college football career at Arizona State. There, he played with fellow 49ers wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk. He spent three years at Arizona State before playing with the Florida Gators for two years.
According to Sports Reference, Pearsall had 159 receptions for 2,420 yards and 14 touchdowns in five years. The receiver has also rushed the ball 21 times for 253 yards and five touchdowns. He does not have much experience with kick returns, but he has returned 15 points, 11 being in 2023. Like many players in college, his playing time increased with experience.
While Pearsall is a strong athlete, he is most notable for his catch against Charlotte. The catch was one-handed, and Pearsall made it look easy. The video of the catch can be watched here on YouTube. While one catch does not define this player, it was a high pass that could have gone as an incompletion. Pearsall managed to get the reception, and that is what matters, and shows the effort he puts on the field. He is a 6-1 receiver that will make plays for his team, as shown here.
Future of Pearsall
On night one of the 2024 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected Pearsall with the 31st overall pick. At first, this was a bit of a shock. The 49ers have loads of weapons, and the wide receiver position was not an overall need. Looking back at the pick, there is a lot of upside to the selection.
2024 Season
So, what does the future hold for Pearsall? Well, if all goes right, he will be one of the next big receivers on the 49ers. Right now, the three main wide receivers are Deebo Samuel, Aiyuk, and Jauan Jennings. The Aiyuk situation is still pending, but under the assumption that he will be with the team in 2023, Pearsall may not be making a big impact in 2024.
One aspect of this conversation to consider this year is the new kick-return rules. No one but a maximum of two returners can move prior to or during the kick. Another thing about this new rule is that starting wide receivers are taking an interest in being a returner. Usually, teams try not to use their starters, as they do not want to increase the chances of their players getting hurt during a kick return. The way the play is now, the kicking team would not be running down the field full force at the returner, and should, if executed correctly, be safer. Of course, injuries are a part of the game, but the risk decreases in this scenario. Pearsall is a player to watch when it comes to the kick returns, which will get him on the field during games more often.
The 49ers also lost returner, Ray-Ray McCloud in free agency, which makes Pearsall a potential punt returner for this year as well. San Francisco has a couple of potential returners to choose from ahead of the 2024 season.
2025 Season
When looking further down the line, in 2025, there is a chance that either Samuel or Aiyuk will not be with the team. This is a purely hypothetical situation right now, and something fans do not need to think about yet. 49ers are always listening to trades, and both players are likely to cost a lot for the team. If Aiyuk is re-signed, there is a chance that Samuel will be traded. This would potentially save the 49ers some money, and the team will also need to extend quarterback, Brock Purdy next year. General Manager, John Lynch has said in the past that he is always listening to trade offers. This is where Pearsall, if he develops into the receiver that he is expected to, will gain playing time. He can potentially turn into another big target for Purdy, and one of the main receivers on the team.
