Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is among the most dynamic offensive prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Pearsall is an alignment-versatile receiver with the instincts and IQ necessary to separate from coverage consistently. Pearsall enjoyed a career-best season in 2023, totaling personal highs in receptions (65) and receiving yards (965).
Pearsall then increased his pre-draft at the Senior Bowl, where he was a nightmare assignment for opposing corners throughout practice sessions. Pearsall then ran a 4.41 40-yard dash with a 42-inch vertical and 10-foot-9 broad jump at the NFL Combine—Pearsall pairs athleticism with high-quality tape.
Pearsall projects as an immediate contributor. He’s arguably among the most technically savvy route-runners in the 2024 NFL Draft. We've identified three potential landing spots for Pearsall.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The Steelers are in the process of revamping their offense. They've acquired Russell Wilson and Justin Fields at quarterback. At receiver, Allen Robinson II was released as a salary cap casualty. General manager Omar Khan then received poor value by trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a player and late draft pick.
Van Jefferson was added in free agency, but more is required opposite George Pickens. Khan must be planning to address the position throughout the draft based on his general inactivity in free agency. The Steelers own the No. 51 selection in the second round. That would be a great spot to target a playmaker like Pearsall, who can play the "Z" or in the slot.
ATLANTA FALCONS
The Falcons plan on being contenders in their first season under new head coach Raheem Morris. The Falcons signaled their aggressive intentions by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal worth $180 million. The remaining portion of the offseason should be centered around filling out Cousins' supporting cast.
General manager Terry Fontenot signed Darnell Mooney to play with Drake London. Mooney is more of a flier after he recorded career-lows in receptions (31), receiving yards (414), and touchdowns (1) last season. Rondale Moore was also acquired in a trade for Desmond Ridder, but neither Moore nor Mooney should prevent the Falcons from drafting another wide receiver. Cousins has always appreciated a receiver that can win underneath the coverage. The Falcons could pick Pearsall at No. 43.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
The heavy expectation is that the Patriots will draft a quarterback with the No. 3 overall selection. Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, and J.J. McCarthy are all in play for a Patriots franchise that is hitting the reset button after trading Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacoby Brissett was signed as a veteran bridge quarterback, but Brissett is present to help a rookie quarterback acclimate.
Once the face-of-the-franchise signal-caller is in place, attention should shift to the supporting cast. The Patriots lack a go-to receiver. They've re-signed Kendrick Bourne and Jalen Reagor this offseason and added K.J. Osborn from Minnesota through free agency. There's room to add more competition for targets here. Drafting Pearsall at No. 34 would offer whoever the rookie quarterback is a reliable safety net.
