Florida Gators standout wide receiver Ricky Pearsall continues to climb NFL Draft boards as the 2024 selection process quickly approaches. Returning to school in 2023 with an intention to boost his stock with a second-straight productive campaign donning orange and blue threads, Pearsall saved his best collegiate season for last.
The Chandler, Arizona, native contributed 965 yards and four touchdowns on 65 receptions, as well as 62 yards and two touchdowns on only three rushes, to the UF offense’s — if limited — success. Throughout the year, his sure hands and ability to create separation from his break were always evident on camera. As a result, he earned great national buzz for his future professional career, despite maintaining Day 3 grades. However, since entering the selection pool, Pearsall has shone in the pre-draft process, with a great performance on the field at the Reese’s Senior Bowl and impressive testing statistics in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine.
Draft analysts have taken note. He has gained enough momentum to be selected as early as the top of the second round. Following his excellent combine performance, Pearsall moved up nine spots in NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah’s 2024 top 50 prospect rankings. The former Gators wideout moved up from No. 48 on Jeremiah’s last ranking to No. 39 overall and No. 7 wideout. His nine-spot leap was the largest of any prospect in the top 50.
Pearsall is a free, silky wide receiver with excellent hands and durability. He is fast to release and understands how to shift gears as a route runner. He moves fluidly into and out of breaks. He has excellent hands. He attacks the ball from the highest position and makes some spectacular catches (see one-handed gem vs. Charlotte). After the catch, he moves quickly up the field and is elusive enough to make defenders miss in space. He has a slim build, but he plays with great tenacity and competitiveness. Pearsall followed up a strong 2023 season with a solid week at the Senior Bowl, and he should start for his drafting team right away.
Pearsall will have one more opportunity to wow scouts at Florida’s Pro Day, which is expected to take place in late March but has yet to be announced. The 2024 NFL Draft will take place on April 25-27 in Detroit, Michigan.
