The Detroit Lions could use some wide receiver depth behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Lauren Gray of Pro Football Focus sees a potential solution for them in the NFL Draft.
University of Florida wide out Ricky Pearsall.
Pearsall is regarded as one of the best slot receivers in this draft class and could end up flying off the board in the late first round, right around the time the Lions pick at No. 29.
The Chandler, Az. native is coming off of a 2023 campaign in which he hauled in 65 receptions for 965 yards and four touchdowns. He also punched in a pair of rushing scores.
Pearsall began his collegiate career at Arizona State and played three seasons there before transferring to Florida. He only had one truly productive year with the Aztecs, which came in 2021 when he caught 48 passes for 580 yards and four touchdowns.
During his first season with the Gators in 2022, Pearsall snared 33 balls for 661 yards while reaching the end zone five times.
Pearsall has displayed some impressive versatility, as he totaled 21 carries for 253 yards and five touchdowns as a rusher throughout his NCAA tenure.
Detroit lost No. 2 receiver Josh Reynolds to free agency, so it could stand to add some pieces behind St. Brown. Currently, former first-round pick Jameson Williams is slotted into the second receiver spot behind St. Brown, but although he certainly has talent, he is very unproven.
The Lions certainly have other needs, such as adding to their pedestrian defense, but if Pearsall is on the board when Detroit is on the clock in the first round, it may end up pulling the trigger.
The Lions are coming off of their best season in three decades, as they won their first division title since 1993 and won their first playoff game since January 1992. Detroit made it all the way to the NFC Championship Game, where it fell to the San Francisco 49ers.