Final mock draft projections for Florida Gators WR Ricky Pearsall
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida is the only SEC school to have a player selected in every NFL Draft. That streak will continue this year with Ricky Pearsall.
The 2024 NFL Draft begins Thursday at 8 p.m. and the former Gators receiver is projected to come off the board in the late first round or second round.
During the 2023 season, Pearsall reeled in 65 receptions for 965 yards and four touchdowns. Those numbers in the catches and yards column marked career highs. He also averaged 20.7 yards on three rushing attempts, while scoring on two of his three carries.
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Pearsall finished with 98 receptions for 1,626 yards and nine touchdowns during his two years at Florida after transferring from Arizona State. In his final season with the Sun Devils, he led the team with 48 catches for 580 yards and four touchdowns.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper has Pearsall ranked as the No. 10 receiver in this year’s class. He also has Florida’s Kinglsey Eguakun ranked as the No. 10 center. ESPN’s Jordan Reid has Eguakun projected as a seventh-round pick to the Washington Commanders.
Here are some the final mock projections for Ricky Pearsall:
Round 1, Pick No. 32, Kansas City Chiefs (Gennaro Filice, NFL.com)
“Pretty Ricky” Pearsall made the catch of the year in college football, but he’s much more than one mind-bending moment. An explosive playmaker over the past two seasons at Florida, Pearsall routed up all comers at the Senior Bowl and then put on a spectacular all-around athletic display at the combine. Now my colleague Eric Edholm thinks he could sneak into Round 1, and I agree!
Round 2, Pick No. 45, New Orleans Saints (Mel Kiper, ESPN)
Pearsall, who played with Jayden Daniels at Arizona State before transferring to Florida in 2022, really impressed me at the combine. New Orleans parted ways with Michael Thomas, and it needs competition in the wideout room.
Round 2, Pick No. 49, Cincinnati Bengals (Matt Miller, ESPN)
To run the Bengals’ three-WR offense, you need three starting wide receivers. That’s not the case right now, with Tee Higgins hanging out there on the franchise tag and Tyler Boyd still a free agent. Pearsall would give Cincinnati at least one more option opposite Ja’Marr Chase. He’s fast and has some of the best end-zone footwork and ball-tracking in the class.
Round 2, Pick No. 50, Philadelphia Eagles (Pro Football Focus)
Beyond A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, the Eagles lack a third receiver who defenses have to pay attention to. Pearsall lined up primarily in the slot at Florida and is a shifty route runner who should be another dynamic option for quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Round 2, Pick No. 61, Detroit Lions (Jordan Reid, ESPN)
Pearsall could replace Josh Reynolds, as he can win from the slot or on the outside. He excels at getting open and making tough catches with his wide catch radius.
Round 2, Pick No. 63, San Franciso 49ers (Chad Reuter, NFL.com)
