Steelers Had Nothing But Compliments For Complete Wide Receiver Prospect Ricky Pearsall

The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to make several improvements in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. The wide receiver position is one of the many positions that Pittsburgh needs to upgrade. That unit took a loss in the trading of Diontae Johnson, who was traded to the Carolina Panthers earlier this offseason. The 2024 class has extensive wide receiver talent, and one player on the Steelers and University of Florida fans' minds is Ricky Pearsall. During the latest college football season, Pearsall was a key part of the Gators offense. 

Recently, Pearsall made an appearance on the Up & Adams show with Kay Adams where he discussed the draft and parts of his game. When Adams asked about an interview Pearsall had with the Steelers, he had nothing but compliments about Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith. 

"They're both really good dudes, both really good coaches and I'd be really excited to be able to play with them," mentioned Pearsall.  

Pearsall was all smiles when asked about the Steelers. He was also impressive at the NFL Combine where he showed off a speedy 4.41 40-yard dash and 4.05 20-yard shuttle. Pearsall is expected to go in the second round, but could potentially go slightly later if he falls under the radar. 

In his senior season, he did nothing but impress, as he accumulated 965 yards, averaged 14.8 yards per reception, and scored 4 touchdowns. Pearsall also stands at 6'1" and weighs 189 pounds. He is on the older side of his fellow wide receivers in the draft, but at 23 years old, many of his peers aspire to replicate his game. Tomlin, however, sees his level of experience as a positive according to Pearsall. 

"They pointed out my age at one point saying I'm an experienced player and they like that about me." 

Pearsall's college experience dates back to 2019 where he started his collegiate career at Arizona State. He then transitioned to Florida and broke out as a Gator. He set a career high number of touchdowns and yardage his first season there and only improved in 2023. Pearsall also showed his versatility in college by returning punts and kickoffs, while also having five total rushing touchdowns. 

Pearsall's route running was also a topic of conversation in his interview with Tomlin and Smith. According to Pearsall, both coaches were impressed with his overall skill and his route running. 

"... how skilled of a player I am from top to bottom, you know when it comes to route running, I understand the game." 

Tomlin and Smith's interest in Pearsall could directly result in him being selected by Pittsburgh. Pearsall could come to the Steel City in either the second or third round potentially. The NFL ranks him as the 16th best wide receiver that attended the NFL Combine. What would normally be a negative rating, is still relatively solid in such a talent rich class. 

Other Wide Receiver Options For The Steelers 

The Steelers have many other options at the wide receiver position in the NFL Draft. The elephant in the room is former LSU Tiger, Brian Thomas Jr. Thomas is a projected first round pick and a good fit for Pittsburgh. Thomas stands at a staggering 6'5" and weighs 198 pounds. The 2023 season saw him take control of the LSU offense with the help of his Heisman Trophy winning quarterback. Thomas was able to rack up 1,177 receiving yards, 68 receptions, and 17 total touchdowns. His size and ability to put up big numbers would make him the clear second receiver option to George Pickens in the 2024 season.  

Another first round option for the Steelers is Rome Odunze from Washington. Odunze helped lead the Huskies to a Pac-12 and National Championship. He went back-to-back with 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023, and stands at 6'3", 200 pounds. Odunze ran a quick 4.34 second 40-yard dash and showed much potential at the NFL Combine. The question is, will he slip to the Steelers at pick 20?

Which round do yinz think the Steelers will draft a wide receiver? Who will it be? Leave a