The San Francisco 49ers have selected wide receiver Ricky Pearsall from Florida with their first-round pick, sparking speculation about potential trades involving current 49ers wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. Pearsall, known for his route-running skills and playmaking ability, joins a team where he is expected to contribute significantly. His college performance, including an average of 10.2 yards per punt return and notable statistics on deep crossing routes, suggests he will be a versatile asset for the 49ers. The selection has been described as both a strategic fit for the team and a surprising choice by draft experts. Pearsall's agility is highlighted by his 6.64 three cone drill time. Aiyuk is in the last year of his contract, while Samuel has two years remaining, and Jauan Jennings is also in the last year of his deal.
Why Ricky Pearsall? 49ers describe him like they did Brandon Aiyuk in 2020 https://t.co/aL0OudCc1q
With former Florida wideout Ricky Pearsall now a member of the 49ers, it appears as though one of the team's incumbents, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, will soon be on someone else’s roster, columnist Michael Silver writes. https://t.co/Kg9QQpOE33
Here's what NFL scouting reports reveal about the skill set Ricky Pearsall brings to San Francisco ⬇ https://t.co/j8s01mS49S
"This is a strange pick." NFL draft experts weigh in on the 49ers' surprise Ricky Pearsall selection https://t.co/LNixmuUo8T
In Ricky Pearsall’s two years at Florida, 62% of his targets came when lined up in the slot. #49ers
Could the #49ers still trade WR Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel? Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch didn't rule it out. Still, hard to see how such a deal would make sense with day 2 and/or 3 picks for a team with a window that's closing fast. An offer would have to be very creative.
John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan explain the Ricky Pearsall draft pick, and how the Florida wide receiver fits the 49ers' system https://t.co/NHTBb8Wew9
John Lynch on if the #49ers could still trade Aiyuk or Samuel: “You never close the door on a trade. You always listen. And we have. But we like our group as it stands.”
#49ers like new WR Ricky Pearsall's versatility. They see him fitting in all over the formation and offering some return value. Kyle Shanahan said Pearsall is "very well developed" and noted his polished route running.
Ricky Pearsall and Co. were HYPED when he got the 49ers’ call 📞🔥 https://t.co/9RsDP1nWAl
"He reminds me of myself, except a lot faster, with much better hands & can jump." - #49ers HC Kyle Shanahan on WR Ricky Pearsall (@S1ickSzn) 🤣🤣 https://t.co/nIIrrOG3JG
Lynch and Shanahan definitively did NOT say that Aiyuk and Deebo are off the trade market now that the 1st round is over. They're obviously listening to whoever checks in. This story goes on... But Aiyuk did text them both that Pearsall was a good pick. Or more exactly a🔥pick.
“We haven’t closed the door on anything.” - #49ers HC Kyle Shanahan on the possibility of trading Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel. https://t.co/AMF4PVeaxg
Kyle Shanahan's eval of 49ers first-round pick Ricky Pearsall: "He reminds me of myself, except a lot faster, with much better hands and can jump."
This catch from new #49ers WR Ricky Pearsall was as good as any you’ll see from last year…. https://t.co/RVxAFPt0Fq
Just asked a scout about new #49ers WR Ricky Pearsall. Scout: “Tough tough tough with great hands. Smooth & has a quick release. He attacks and goes up for the ball. He’s not afraid to make contested catches and get hit. He also is a relentless blocker. Makes sense he’s in SF.” https://t.co/CqGV6dT99L
An easy way to see why #49ers believe WR Ricky Pearsall fits in the offense: Over past two seasons, he has 14 catches for 338 receiving yards on deep crossing routes, most of any player in FBS in both. His 439 total yards on crossing routes since '22 are second most in FBS.
Trading for one of the 49ers wide receivers (Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk) would make a lot of sense for the Patriots. 49ers are trying to move a WR, and the Patriots should have some interest. 49ers just drafted Florida WR Ricky Pearsall. Patriots pick at 34 and 68 tomorrow.
If you’re wondering, Ricky Pearsall had 15 punt returns in college, averaged 10.2 yards per return. Also returned two kickoffs. #49ers
Some context on 49ers using their first-round pick on WR Ricky Pearsall: 🏈Brandon Aiyuk is in the last year of his deal. 🏈Jauan Jennings is in the last year of his deal. 🏈Deebo Samuel has two years remaining on his deal. https://t.co/TzbP2asO5o
That is one hell of a pick for the #49ers even though many are probably surprised by it Ricky Pearsall is a top notch separator (6.64 three cone), makes excellent adjustments to the ball and is reliable I saw some Greg Jennings (6.69 three cone) in his routes
The Niners add Ricky Pearsall to their offense https://t.co/5RQ1x8SJEX
Ricky Pearsall is my WR10. Elite footwork against the zone. Great athleticism and hands. Never wastes movement in with good understanding of spacing. Struggled against man coverage. Never produced to his ceiling. #49ers get an intriguing fit. #HallamAnalysis
Love the Ricky Pearsall pick. Excellent route runner and playmaker.
Rickey Pearsall to the 49ers, will be reunited with Brandon Aiyuk. That's 2 former Sun Devils in the first round
Ricky Pearsall (WR-Florida) is coming to San Francisco. Another weapon for Brock Purdy.
From what I've been told, the Niners have been on the phones all night -- up until and through their pick at 31 -- exploring trades for both Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. Considering the Ricky Pearsall pick, I'd imagine they're not done exploring those trades.
31. SF Ricky Pearsall WR ... Brandon Aiyuk now available?