The San Francisco 49ers' choice of Ricky Pearsall caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. While the receiver wasn't widely known among most 49ers fans, who expected the team to use the No. 31 pick on an offensive lineman, Pearsall is quickly garnering support from the fanbase as further details emerge about his work ethic and on-field impact.
"You're getting a good one," Pearsall recently assured The Faithful. "You're getting one that's going to be dedicated, and that's going to represent the organization well, and the name on the back of my jersey. So, you're going to get everything out of me."
NFL Media's Eric Edholm recently unveiled his latest NFL power rankings—post-draft edition. It takes all 257 draft selections into account. Edholm praised the 49ers' pick of Pearsall, believing the team's eight selections keep them at the No. 2 spot, just behind the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Edholm explained, "I thought there was a chance Ricky Pearsall could be a top-40 selection, so the Florida receiver going to the 49ers at No. 31 isn't the reach some want to make it. In fact, I had him ranked as my No. 31 overall prospect."
Edholm also acknowledged the drama that unfolded before and during the draft. Many questioned the futures of wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel and how Pearsall's selection fits into the team's plans.
"At first, the Niners were dealing with Aiyuk and his contract demands; then Deebo's name surfaced in some interesting trade rumors as the draft was unfolding," Edholm shared. "So here we are, and it's not clear what the next steps will be in Santa Clara."
Aiyuk and Samuel remain on the roster, and Pearsall's addition will only strengthen an already formidable wide receiver corps for the upcoming season. This could prove crucial for a team that recently made a Super Bowl appearance and is eager for another shot at the championship.
"This is a team that has been on the doorstep of a championship a few times in recent years, so hanging onto the WR pair for this coming season feels like the most likely route to take as the Niners take another crack at breaking on through to the other side," Edholm concluded.
