Initially, some analysts questioned the selection, but ESPN reporter Nick Wagoner noted that "Pearsall has been exactly as advertised" after observing the rookie during the limited practices open to the media.
"The Niners have used him at multiple receiver positions in the offense and as a punt returner, which is probably his best ticket to touching the ball early in his rookie year," Wagoner remarked. "The team wants Pearsall to be able to step in anywhere in case of injury, and he so far has proved plenty versatile, according to coach Kyle Shanahan."
Last season at Florida, Pearsall returned 11 punts for 126 yards, averaging 11.5 yards per return.
Providing a Pearsall update earlier this month, Shanahan commented, "He's doing a good job. He's got really good hands, so he's rarely going to have a drop. We're getting him a lot of reps. He's getting a lot of different routes, trying all the positions, and we've been really impressed with how he started off."
However, more definitive evaluations will come once training camp begins and the pads are on. One 49ers star defender is eager to see Pearsall in action during full-contact practices.
"He can obviously run fast, he can run really good routes, can catch the ball well. So we'll see what happens when we throw the pads on," Warner recently told reporters.
The linebacker has been impressed with how Pearsall has carried himself since joining the team. He is just withholding his official evaluation until the more grueling practices begin.
"I mean, there's a reason why he was drafted in the first round," Warner shared. "Usually you get drafted that high because you've got a lot of ability and you're built of the right stuff. I didn't know what the rankings was of the receivers coming out or anything. I give all the rookies a chance to prove themselves, and you're not really going to prove much in OTAs when you're in shorts and t-shirts."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Ricky Pearsall reveals limitations due to lingering injury
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is listed as questionable for Saturday night's NFC playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks. Still, the receiver remains optimistic about his chances of returning after missing the last two contests. "Yeah, I'm pretty... -
Rapoport shares concerning update on 49ers LB Fred Warner's potential return
The San Francisco 49ers ruled out linebacker Fred Warner for Saturday night's playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks, a move that came as little surprise. While the team opened the All-Pro's practice window this week, Warner is still working his way back just three months... -
49ers injury report: Kyle Shanahan shares key updates ahead of Seahawks playoff game
The biggest news out of Santa Clara on Tuesday was that the San Francisco 49ers are opening star linebacker Fred Warner's practice window this week. However, that was just one of several injury-related updates shared by head coach Kyle Shanahan as the team prepares for its... -
Jay Glazer shares encouraging update on 49ers LB Fred Warner
In the lead-up to the start of Wild Card Weekend's action, FOX Sports insider Jay Glazer provided a notable update on San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner, who has been sidelined since Week 6 after suffering a dislocated and fractured right ankle. What was initially...