According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, the Bengals are projected to select Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the second round with the No. 49 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, scheduled for April 25-27 in Detroit.
Exciting times
Miller highlighted the necessity of providing Burrow with a complete set of weapons, especially as the team operates within a three-wide receiver offensive scheme. With Tee Higgins uncertain due to his franchise tag status and Tyler Boyd currently a free agent, adding Pearsall would give Cincinnati another strong option alongside standout receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Miller praised Pearsall for his speed, exceptional footwork in the end zone, and ability to track the ball effectively.
Pearsall’s draft stock has been on the rise following an impressive college career. He began at Arizona State, where he recorded 48 receptions for 580 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2021, before transferring to Florida. At Florida, he showcased his skills with 98 receptions for 1,626 yards and 12 total touchdowns over two seasons.
How far can they go
NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah ranked Pearsall as the No. 39 overall prospect and the seventh-best wide receiver prospect after his standout performances in the lead-up to the 2024 Senior Bowl, despite not playing in the game itself. Jeremiah praised Pearsall’s fluidity, exceptional hands, toughness, route-running ability, and knack for making highlight-reel catches, projecting that he could secure a starting role from day one with his new team.
At the NFL Combine, Ricky Pearsall further cemented his status as a top prospect with impressive physical attributes. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 189 pounds, he clocked a 40-yard dash time of 4.41 seconds and showcased remarkable explosiveness with a 42-inch vertical leap.
Pearsall’s experience catching passes from talented quarterbacks may also aid his transition to the NFL. He played alongside Jayden Daniels at Arizona State, who won the 2023 Heisman Trophy before transferring to LSU, and Anthony Richardson at Florida, who was selected fourth overall by the Indianapolis Colts in 2023. This exposure to elite talent under center has prepared Pearsall for the challenges of the professional game.
Games coming in thick
Analysts note the growing trend of teams targeting standout wide receivers in the later rounds of the draft, especially following the success of players like BYU’s Puka Nacua, who set NFL rookie records in 2023. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein commended Pearsall’s ability to create separation and manipulate coverage, despite some concerns about his quickness against press coverage.
As the NFL Draft approaches, the potential selection of Ricky Pearsall by the Cincinnati Bengals signifies a strategic move to strengthen their offense and equip Joe Burrow with the necessary weapons for success at the professional level. With his blend of speed, route-running skills, and big-play potential, Pearsall could become a significant contributor for the Bengals as they aim to compete in the tough AFC North division.
