The Detroit Lions lost their No. 2 receiver, Josh Reynolds, in free agency to the Denver Broncos, but they might use their first-round choice to bolster their wide out corps.
Lauren Gray of Pro Football Focus identified the Lions as one of the most likely teams to make a “surprise” move and choose Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the first round. Though Pearsall is projected to be a second-round pick, Gray said that the Lions may grab him with the No. 29 overall choice in order to add depth beyond top receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Ricky Pearsall Praised as Reliable, ‘Explosive’
Gray anticipated that numerous clubs would be ready to take a chance on Pearsall in the first round, including the Buffalo Bills, who would pick just ahead of the Lions at No. 28 overall. Pearsall had 963 total yards and 26 first downs from the slot last season, according to Gray.
Ricky Pearsall’s ball tracking is some of the best in this draft class. pic.twitter.com/JSslMwFI1B
— Nick Penticoff (@NickPenticoff) April 8, 2024
“Praised for his quickness, route-running ability and reliable hands, Pearsall is considered to be one of the best slot receivers in the draft,” Gray stated in his report. “During his time at Florida, he recorded 49 explosive gains and the fourth-best drop rate (2.8%) among draft-eligible Power Five receivers.”
Gray emphasized that the Lions still have plenty of weapons behind St. Brown, despite Reynolds’ departure. Sam LaPorta, a rookie tight end, added 1,065 receiving yards, while second-year speedster Jameson Williams had 433.
Pearsall’s draft status is growing following a solid showing at the Senior Bowl, where SI.com named him “arguably the top offensive performer in attendance.”
According to SI.com, Pearsall’s buzz increased even stronger after he performed well at the NFL Combine.
“He attended the NFL Combine and followed up his impressive on-field performance at the Senior Bowl with some eye-popping figures. Persall’s 4.41 forty time was about normal, with 20 receivers surpassing the coveted 4.40 mark, but his agility stats were off the charts,” the article stated.
“His 42-inch vertical jump earned him fifth place in the event, regardless of rank. He had a 6.64 3-cone, good for second overall.
Lions could look to trade instead.
The Lions may find another method to convert their first-round choice into an established wide receiver. After ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on March 11 that receiver Tee Higgins had sought a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals, The Ringer’s Benjamin Solak speculated that the Lions could make a move for him and offer their first-round pick.
“Lions should be on the phone with 29 overall in a heartbeat,” Solak wrote in a blog post.
There could be further targets in the draft. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. predicted that the Lions would select Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell with the No. 29 overall pick.
Kiper added that the Lions have done a nice job addressing their roster this offseason and don’t have many holes to fix, so finding another vertical receiver to complement Williams would be a solid pick.
“At 6-foot-2, [Mitchell] ran a 4.34-second 40 at the combine, showing off impressive physical tools,” he wrote. “He scored 11 touchdowns last season. This may be considered a luxury choice, but the Lions can afford to choose Mitchell.
