2024 NFL Draft: Florida Gators WR Ricky Pearsall picked by 49ers with 31st overall pick in Round 1

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Image Credit: Ashley Ray, UAA

With his stock rising as much as any player in the 2024 NFL Draft, former Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall saw his hard work pay off Thursday when he was selected by the San Francisco 49ers with the No. 31 overall pick in the first round. Pearsall, who spent his final two college seasons at Florida, ensured the Gators had a player selected among the first 32 picks for the fifth straight year.

Pearsall had one of the most impressive overall performances in the pre-draft process, emerging among the top players at his position and consequently rising up draft boards across the league. In fact, he did so well at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine — where he ranked first in the three-cone drill, third in the vertical jump, sixth in the bench press and 10th in the 40-yard dash — that he ultimately chose not to participate in Florida’s Pro Day.

An immensely dependable pass catcher, Pearsall caught 65 passes for 965 yards and four touchdowns during his senior season, adding two more touchdowns rushing while making a number of highlight plays along the way.

He projects in the slot at the NFL level and was seen by many as a potential draft-day steal. Concerns about separation ability and physicality had some experts believing he would go later than his potential production would have one believe, but NFL teams love his soft hands, dedication to his craft and overall upside.

Pearsall is the first Gators player selected by the 49ers since safety Marcell Harris in 2018. This marks the second straight season that a Florida wide receiver was drafted, and Pearsall on Thursday became the sixth Gators WR selected over the last five drafts.