The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in need of a wide receiver. Initially, there was speculation that they might pursue a significant acquisition in the wide receiver market or orchestrate a trade. However, such moves have yet to materialize. Consequently, the Steelers' focus now shifts to the upcoming draft, where they aim to secure a rookie wide receiver capable of stepping in and starting.
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Florida WR Ricky Pearsall makes a one handed catch.
While the exact draft pick the Steelers are eyeing for the wide receiver position remains unknown, there's considerable interest in Ricky Pearsall, a talented wide receiver from Florida. Towards the end of March, the Steelers hosted Pearsall for a top-30 visit, indicating their high regard for his abilities.
According to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, Pearsall's draft stock is on a rapid ascent, with his impressive performance at the combine playing a significant role in this surge.
"The receiver rising faster than any other is Ricky Pearsall of Florida. Several teams have placed an early second-round grade on Pearsall, another surehanded receiver who had a tremendous combine workout with times of 4.41 seconds in the 40 and 6.64 seconds in the three-cone and a vertical jump of 42 inches."
Pearsall's swift ascent in the draft rankings poses a potential dilemma for the Steelers. While they seem inclined to prioritize an offensive lineman with their first-round pick and perhaps target a center in the second round, their strategy may pivot if they hope to secure one of the top-tier wide receivers available in the third round.
However, with Pearsall's stock continuing to soar, the Steelers' gamble of waiting until the third round to draft him becomes increasingly precarious. Despite being projected as a third-round pick at present, Pauline's insights hint at a trajectory that could see Pearsall taken off the board much earlier.
The Steelers find themselves at a crossroads as they strategize how to fortify their receiving corps without overlooking the talent of Pearsall. As they weigh their options, it becomes increasingly apparent that their draft blueprint may require a thorough reassessment to ensure they secure Pearsall's coveted abilities. Consequently, they may find themselves contemplating an earlier move in the draft to secure his services, should they remain steadfast in their pursuit of adding him to their roster.
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Florida WR Ricky Pearsall makes a one handed catch during a game.
In the 2023 season with the Gators, Pearsall showcased his prowess with 65 receptions, amassing an impressive 965 receiving yards and four touchdowns. While not necessarily a prolific scorer, he proved himself to be a dependable target, consistently delivering solid performances throughout his senior year.
Standing at 6' 1" and weighing 190 pounds, Pearsall is poised to make a significant impact at the professional level. His exceptional skill set is highlighted by his ability to track footballs with precision and make plays on seemingly uncatchable passes, consistently coming down with the catch when it matters most.
Despite his undeniable talent, the lingering question remains: can Pearsall seamlessly transition his skills to the demands of the NFL game? As scouts and analysts continue to scrutinize his potential, the Steelers must carefully assess whether Pearsall possesses the adaptability and resilience necessary to excel at the highest level of competition.
Steelers' George Pickens Needs Someone To Complement His Game
The Steelers' decision to trade Diontae Johnson underscores their urgent need to find a suitable partner for the talented George Pickens. Pickens made an impressive debut as a rookie, demonstrating his ability to thrive under pressure and deliver consistent performances—a quality the Steelers are undoubtedly seeking in their next wide receiver selection.
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Steelers' George Pickens makes a catch against the Seahawks.
However, with Pearsall's draft stock on the rise, the Steelers face a perplexing situation. Unless they hold Pearsall in exceptionally high regard, they may find themselves hesitating to invest a high draft pick in him, especially considering the abundance of other talented wide receivers likely available in the third round. While the Steelers may have their sights set on drafting a wide receiver in that round, they may be hesitant to reach for Pearsall given the trajectory of his stock.
As the draft approaches, it will be intriguing to observe how Pearsall's draft stock evolves in the coming weeks and how the Steelers navigate their options in pursuit of fortifying their receiving corps.
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