Josh Reynolds joined the Denver Broncos in free agency, leaving the Detroit Lions without their No. 2 receiver. However, the team may be able to restock the wide receiver position with their first-round choice.
The Lions are among the teams most likely to pull off a “surprise” and choose Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the first round, according to Pro Football Focus analyst Lauren Gray. Despite Pearsall’s second-day draft ranking, Gray pointed out that the Lions might seize the chance to choose Pearsall with the No. 29 overall choice in order to provide depth beyond star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Pearsall, Ricky praised as “Explosive” and dependable
In the first round, Gray projected that a number of clubs, including the Buffalo Bills, who select just ahead of the Lions at No. 28 overall, could be ready to take a chance on Pearsall. Gray mentioned that Pearsall finished the season with 963 total yards and 26 first downs gained from the slot.
“One of the best slot receivers in the draft, Pearsall is praised for his quickness, route-running ability, and reliable hands,” noted Gray. “Among Power Five receivers eligible for the draft, he recorded 49 explosive gains and the fourth-best drop rate (2.8%) during his time at Florida.”
Gray continued by saying that even with Reynolds gone, the Lions still have an abundance of weapons behind St. Brown. Jameson Williams, a second-year speedster, recorded 433 receiving yards, while rookie tight end Sam LaPorta contributed 1,065 yards.
Following a fantastic showing at the Senior Bowl, where SI.com declared him to be “arguably the top offensive performer in attendance,” Pearsall’s draft status is increasing.
As he performed well at the NFL Combine, Pearsall’s popularity only increased, according to the SI.com article.
“He attended the NFL Combine and supported his Senior Bowl on-field performance with some incredible combine statistics. Persall’s forty-one-second performance was mediocre, since twenty receivers were able to surpass the coveted 4.40 mark; but, his agility metrics were exceptional, according to the study.
Regardless of position, his 42-inch vertical leap placed him sixth in the competition. He placed second overall with a 6.64 3-cone.
Lions Might Consider Trading in Place of
The Lions may discover an other method to develop their first-round selection into a seasoned wide receiver. The Ringer’s Benjamin Solak speculated that the Lions may make a run at receiver Tee Higgins and give their first-round selection after ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed on March 11 that Higgins had asked for a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals.
Solak added, “Lions should be on the phone with 29 overall in a heartbeat.”
The draft may contain more goals. With the No. 29 overall choice, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. projected that the Lions will choose Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.
Finding another vertical receiver to complement Williams would be a wise move, as Kiper pointed out that the Lions have done a decent job of addressing their roster this summer and don’t have many gaps to fill.
At the combine, Mitchell, who is 6-foot-2, “showcased impressive physical tools” by running a 4.34-second 40. Kiper noted. “Last season, he scored 11 touchdowns. Although Mitchell may seem like a luxury choice, the Lions can afford to choose him because of how great this squad is.
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