The San Francisco 49ers' selection of University of Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall with the 31st overall pick in round one of the 2024 NFL Draft certainly drew its share of reactions, both positive and negative.
Some pundits scratched their heads at the selection, but the viewpoint from NFL players seems quite different. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk sent his approval of the pick to 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, calling it a "fire pick," while another player, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, raved about the pick while participating in a Bleacher Report on-air draft discussion panel.
As seen below, Stroud seemed devastated that Pearsall was selected by the 49ers instead of the Texans, then tipped his cap to the 49ers for making the pick. Watch below:
CJ Stroud's reaction. Said Ricky Pearsall is going to be so elite. Said its a big time get and he wanted to play with him on Houston. Gave A+ grade if you watch entire video on youtube. Wow. pic.twitter.com/WUx31y7kYP
— Lobs (@Lobs_All_Day) April 26, 2024
The reigning NFL Rookie of the Year seemed to think the Pearsall could shine in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense.
"Bro, he's elite," Stroud said of Pearsall. "You'll see. Especially in that offense, man. Kyle's gonna dial it up for him."
The selection came as a surprise to everyone except the 49ers, who kept their intentions secret throughout the process. Pearsall told reporters Thursday night that he only met with the 49ers during what he called "the little speed dating meetings" that take place at the Senior Bowl and that he wasn't expecting to see the 49ers being the team that called his name on draft night.
"It's never a surprise for me I would say, but I was definitely shocked to see San Francisco pop up on my phone when I picked it up," Pearsall said during a phone call with 49ers reporters on Thursday.
But when Pearsall gave his family the news, there was nothing but jubilation throughout the room.
The moment @S1ickSzn found out he was going to be a 49er. 🔥#GatorMade | @49ers pic.twitter.com/AHqgelUcIz
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) April 26, 2024
"This was probably the most stressful part about that whole entire process," Pearsall said. "I did a really good job of being where my feet are at for the Combine and the Senior Bowl because that's all stuff I can control at the end of the day, so it's me performing out there. But this was out of my control. So I had a little bit of nerves leading up, but I was just trying to enjoy the moment, be where my feet are at, be with my family, be with my close friends, and enjoy the moment because those people around me have played a huge role in my life. I give all the thanks to them. We're just enjoying it together."