Draft Analysis: Ricky Pearsall

February 18, 2024 /
  • Height: 6’1″
  • Weight: 189 lb.
  • College: Florida
  • Tape watched: LSU, Tennessee, Kentucky, Utah
  • NFL Comparison: Jerry Jeudy

Pros

  • Hands

With only two drops his senior year, Pearsall showed he is a reliable target. He is adequate through contact, completing 50% of his contested targets. For his athletic and physical profile, this is a solid number. Pearsall tracks the football well and was very good at high pointing passes. He put on a clinic at the senior bowl practices, catching multiple 50/50 balls through contact.

  • Blocking

A very willing a proficient blocker, Ricky Pearsall will make an impact for an NFL team’s run game. He locks up well and can drive defenders out of plays. He has a good knack of finding someone to block downfield as well. He can get too aggressive in his stalk phase and miss agile defenders. He can also work on his angles when crack blocking linebackers.

  • Route Running

Pearsall understands spacing and how to read zone coverage. My favorite part of his route running is the pace he utilizes. His tempo changes for different scenarios he faces. Pearsall has minimal tips in his game, keeping defenders honest in their drops. He also snaps off route breaks well.

Midline

  • Release

With over a 50% slot rate, Pearsall saw a lot of off-coverage. He had multiple examples of beating press effectively during the Senior Bowl practices, however. He has a sudden jab step he pairs well with a strong arm to keep the defender off his body.

  • YAC

Ricky Pearsall is a dependable runner with the football. He doesn’t create explosive plays with his feet, but he picks up extra yardage and won’t lose yards after the catch. He is a good “get what you can” type of YAC receiver.

Cons

  • Usage

Florida failed to get Pearsall consistent targets downfield. I thought Florida’s passing offense was most efficient targeting Pearsall in the intermediate areas of the defense. He was heavily used on short drags, screens, and fake jet sweeps.

  • Athleticism

Pearsall may have difficulty separating in the NFL downfield. He does not have top end receiver speed, and his overall athleticism is average. He isn’t overly physical to the point defenses will gameplan around it. Pearsall is athletic enough to play in the NFL, but he may be just that.

Overview

Ricky Pearsall may slip to Day 2 pick, but he should make a huge impact year one. He does everything you want in a slot receiver, with the ability to play outside if needed ala Puka Nakua. He will be an NFL grinder, doing everything to get on the field, with a high focus on details. Pearsall is a high-effort, reliable handed target that should develop his route running even more in the NFL.