Steelers host Florida WR Ricky Pearsall to top 30 visit

[hawaiiansteel]

Steelers reportedly host 2024 NFL Draft prospect, Florida WR Ricky Pearsall to top 30 visit

3/20/24

While the Pittsburgh Steelers are still hoping to address the WR position in free agency, they will undoubtedly attack the position in the draft.

And per Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette , the Steelers have their eye on one of the more underrated WRs in the class, via Ricky Pearsall:

Why Pretty Ricky?



Pearsall would join a Steelers squad fresh out of their best natural seperator via Diontae Johnson. And while the ship for replacing him in free agency may have sailed, Pearsall would gladly fill that role as a day two selection.

When watching his tape, he profiles similarly to the way Pittsburgh utilized Johnson, but as depicted above is an even better athlete.

When watching Pearsall's film, it was clear that he could naturally separate. But the NFL Combine made me and many others have a double take when examining the 4.41 speed and over 40-inch vertical.

That only helps his case with Pittsburgh, as we know they value elite athletes, especially at skill positions.

And with Pittsburgh using a valued visit on Pearsall, the interest level is notable.

https://www.yardbarker.com/general_sports/articles/steelers_reportedly_host_2024_nfl_draft_prospect_florida_wr_ricky_pearsall_to_top_30_visit/s1_17313_40140014

[NorthCoast]

He's got some short arms so he better be able to jump for that ball.

[Iron City Inc.]

He's got some short arms so he better be able to jump for that ball.

He tested really well. That he’s got 42v n 4.4 40. Hands are solid.
Can he beat NFL press man coverage? That is the unknown. Could be very good if he can separate there.
Because draft is deep at Wr could be good day 2 value pick.

[Buzz]

He's in my mock.

[hawaiiansteel]

2nd WR we're hosting as one of our top-30 visits -

Steelers to Host Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley on Pre-Draft Visit

3/20/24

The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing in Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley on a top-30 visit, according to Josh Edwards of CBS Sports. He is the second reported receiver coming in for a visit along with Ricky Pearsall of Florida, who came in for a top-30 visit earlier this week.

Over the past three seasons, there have only been a handful of guys at the position that have been more productive. With over 250 catches for nearly 3,000 yards and 29 touchdown grabs, his resume on paper is really impressive. Corley's unique play style and physical profile has drawn comparisons to another former Senior Bowl standout: current San Francisco 49ers playmaker Deebo Samuel. As we all know, Samuel is a true unicorn at the position but there are certainly some similarities between the two players, most notably their indistinguishable builds.

Corley's dense frame shows up in the play strength department, with him showcasing the ability to consistently fall forward or maintain balance upon contact with potential tacklers. Corley is built like a running back with plus vision for the position who shows a good understanding of reading blocks and angles in space. After the catch, there is very little wasted motion in his transition from receiver to runner. He can make guys miss or just straight run through you instead.

683 of Corley's yards came after the catch, fifth-most in the NCAA and while there's important context to note here with his average depth of target being just 5.5 yards, it's hard to fault WKU for their utilization of him. In 2022, he forced a whopping 40 missed tackles according to PFF. It's easy to see why the Steelers would be looking for a player like this after their receivers finished 24th in yards after the catch last season. Pittsburgh has been searching for more production in the slot for years now. Due to a combination of issues with the scheme, quarterback play and a revolving door from a personnel perspective, Corley could be a solution in the short and long term.

https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/steelers_to_host_western_kentucky_wr_malachi_corley_on_pre_draft_visit/s1_17181_40139029

[hawaiiansteel]

Steelers Continue Strong Interest in Florida WR Ricky Pearsall

The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted Ricky Pearsall for a visit and have met with him multiple times throughout the process.

March 22, 2024

The Pittsburgh Steelers had Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in for a pre-draft visit earlier this week, according to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pearsall, Georgia State offensive tackle Travis Glover, Washington running back Dillon Johnson and Florida State defensive tackle Braden Fiske are the only reported players to have visited (or at least scheduled a visit) with the Steelers at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Glover reportedly had his visit on Wednesday.

But Pearsall has a deeper interest from the Steelers than that, according to Dane Brugler of the Athletic. Brugler noted on The Athletic Football Show that Pearsall met with the team multiple times throughout the process and that they appear fascinated with him. That is notable coming from Brugler, and it seems Pearsall is firmly on the Steelers radar.

Pearsall had an impressive performance at the NFL Combine, recording a 4.41 in the 40-yard dash and a 42-inch vertical.

After trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers last week, wide receiver has become a top priority for the Steelers in the draft. Pearsall is projected to be a late second or third-round pick.

Pearsall transferred to Florida from Arizona State in 2022. In his two seasons as a Florida Gator, he recorded 98 receptions for 1,626 yards (16.6 average) and nine touchdowns. At Arizona State, he caught 61 passes for 794 yards (13.0 average) and five touchdowns.

Overall, Pearsall is a vertical slot receiver that has nice speed and ball skills. Florida often deployed him from the slot and put him in motion. His pro comp is Kenny Stills.

Pearsall's toughness, sure hands and blocking ability give him a trustworthy floor, Derrick Bell of Steelers Now wrote in his scouting report on Pearsall. It's fair to acknowledge that other receivers in the class might have more potential but this is a player that's ready to come in and contribute right away. It's true that this receiver class is loaded, both at the top and from a depth standpoint, which could cause him to fall further than he would in a normal cycle. If the Steelers can plug some of their other holes prior to draft weekend, spending a mid-round pick on Pearsall makes a ton of sense and could prove wise very quickly.

If the Steelers don't address the wide receiver position in the first-round with a top-flight prospect, Pearsall could be a solid option in the mid rounds.

https://steelersnow.com/pittsburgh-steelers-continue-strong-interest-in-florida-wr-ricky-pearsall/

[hawaiiansteel]

2.) Round Two - 51st Overall - Ricky Pearsall - Wide Receiver - University Of Florida

A lot has been made about the Steelers' depth at wide receiver since moving on from Johnson. Adding Van Jefferson was a solid veteran to pick up, but much more is needed in the area. Ricky Pearsall out of the University of Florida has five years of collegiate experience and transferred to Florida after three seasons at Arizona State.

His stats aren't going to blow anyone away. He never had over 1,000 receiving yards throughout his career in college, but had his best season in 2023 with 65 receptions, 965 yards and four touchdowns. An average of 20.7 yards per catch is certainly attractive to a team that now has Wilson, who historically loves the deep ball. Pearsall is also a nice gadget player. He found the end zone five times his college running the football.

https://www.steelernation.com/2024/03/18/steelers-abate-mock-draft-omar-khan-great-offseason-selections