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Gators WR Ricky Pearsall Tops Second Round in PFF Mock Draft

Following impressive displays of route running and sure-handedness at Reese's Senior Bowl practices, Gators wideout Ricky Pearsall is climbing on draft boards.

Brandon Carroll

Gators WR Ricky Pearsall Tops Second Round in PFF Mock Draft
Gators WR Ricky Pearsall Tops Second Round in PFF Mock Draft /
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Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall thoroughly impressed onlookers during his showing at Reese's Senior Bowl practices last week, utilizing the pre-draft bowl series to its fullest extent. 

The performance resulted in a considerable boost in his stock prior to the 2024 NFL Draft.

On Monday, Pro Football Focus released an updated mock draft for the upcoming selection process. Draft analysts Trevor Sikemma and Connor Rogers acknowledged the wideout's improved status as one of the most notable beneficiaries of the annual event this offseason in the process.

Pearsall was the first projected pick off the board on Day 2, going No. 33 overall to the Carolina Panthers.

"Pearsall catches everything, he knows how to separate, he's a good athlete, he can make a spectacular catch, he's got excellent footwork; this is the kind of pro the Panthers need so badly for Bryce [Young]," Rogers said about his selection on PFF's NFL Stock Exchange Podcast post-Senior Bowl Mock Draft show on Friday. 

"I love this player."

Transferring to Florida from Arizona State before the 2022 season, Pearsall immediately fulfilled the starting slot receiver role in the Gators' offense.

He statistically turned in his most productive collegiate year, accounting for 661 yards and five scores on 20 yards per catch to lead the Gators receiving efforts.

Despite evaluating his options early in the 2023 offseason, Pearsall elected to return to the University of Florida for a final season, hoping to climb draft boards with an extra year of experience under his belt.

The decision proved fruitful for the now-23-year-old.

The Chandler, Ariz., native built on his 2022 form to lead the Gators through the air again, compiling 65 receptions, 965 yards, 14.8 yards per catch and four touchdowns.

He provided newly acquired quarterback Graham Mertz a safety blanket from the slot, allowing a remodeled offense to find substantiated success in the back half of the season. His year was highlighted by an impressive one-handed grab over the middle of the field against Charlotte, a play in which he stretched out to grab a slightly overthrown ball from Mertz before absorbing a crushing hit from two 49ers defenders in coverage.

Pearsall also served as the hero in Florida's comeback win on the road at South Carolina, grabbing the go-ahead touchdown reception with 47 seconds remaining.

But the memorable moments were only a snapshot of his individual success at UF.

During his two seasons in Gainesville, Pearsall rapidly developed into a professional-caliber wide receiver prospect. Showcasing a dynamic route running prowess with the knack of using defensive back's leverage against them — whether it be through attacking a DB's blind spot or utilizing consistent head fakes at the top of the route — Pearsall's ability to create separation stands out as the calling card of his game.

With reliable hands, a quick first step off the line of scrimmage, above-average play speed, and well-calculated hand fighting in press man serving as complements, the Gators wideout has the makings of a safety blanket over the middle for a young quarterback at the next level. 

He displayed those in abundance skills in his appearance at the Senior Bowl despite leaving after Wednesday's practice, resulting in his impressive climb into the second round per PFF. 

Pearsall will look to maintain his upward trajectory moving forward in the pre-draft process, with athletic testing being next up on the slate for the budding NFL Draft selectee.

Stay tuned to All Gators for continuous coverage of Florida Gators football, basketball and recruiting. Follow along on social media at @AllGatorsOnFN on Twitter and All Gators on FanNation-Sports Illustrated on Facebook. 

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Brandon Carroll
BRANDON CARROLL

Brandon Carroll is a recent graduate of the University of Florida. He serves as the lead reporter for the Florida Gators FanNation-Sports Illustrated website, covering football, basketball and recruiting. When he isn't hard at work, he enjoys listening to music, playing flag football and basketball, spending time with his friends and family, and watching an array of television shows. Follow him on Twitter @itsbcarroll.

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