49ers use 1st-round pick on WR Pearsall

The San Francisco 49ers selected Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, No. 31 overall.

Pearsall is coming off the best year of his Gators career after catching 65 passes for 965 yards and four touchdowns. He's mostly known for a spectacular one-handed catch he made against Charlotte during the 2023 season.

San Francisco's wide receivers stole headlines ahead of the draft when it was reported the 49ers were shopping star pass-catchers Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel to move up in the first round. Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie contract.

Pearsall is the first wideout taken by the Niners in Round 1 since Aiyuk in 2020.

Pre-draft profile

Pearsall takes ownership of the middle of the field. The Florida receiver excels in the slot and should find a long-term home there in the NFL. Pearsall succeeds by understanding leverage and finding open space against zone coverage, while his savvy route running also earns him wins when he faces man. Whether it be with his quick release, head stabs, or footwork, Pearsall creates space for himself. His athleticism at the combine really did wonders for his stock as he tested well in the broad jump, vertical jump, and three-cone drill, and he put up a 4.41 in the 40-yard dash. One of his only limitations is his below-average length, which may limit his catch radius and physicality at the next level. His ability to generate yards after the catch doesn't stand out, either, but he gets open at a high rate, and the NFL will always be interested in receivers who can do that.