The Pittsburgh Steelers showed up in a big way for Michigan’s Pro Day on March 22.
Some of the organization’s top personnel execs, including Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan, took a look at some of the defending champs’ record 18 NFL Combine invitees, including one notable receiver.
However, the organization has its eyes on a receiver from another blue blood program ahead of April’s 2024 NFL draft.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazzette’s Ray Fittipaldo on March 20, the Steelers had Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in for a visit.
Florida WR Ricky Pearsall was in for. predraft visit this week with the Steelers, per sources. Pearsall tested carry well at the combine with. 4.41 40 yard dash and a 42 inch vertical.
Pearsall put together a solid performance at the NFL Combine, running the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds and showing off a 42-inch vertical leap, which placed top five among all participating wide receivers.
Pearsall isn’t expected to be a WR1 at the next level, but he has the speed, route running and hands to become a secondary option in the league.
Florida WR Ricky Pearsall was in for. predraft visit this week with the Steelers, per sources. Pearsall tested carry well at the combine with. 4.41 40 yard dash and a 42 inch vertical.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) March 20, 2024
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein labeled the 6-foot-1 wideout as a “dependable slot target” who “might have a ceiling of quality backup with punt-return value.”
Ricky Pearsall’s Perseverance
Pearsall’s college career got off to a very slow start.
In his first two years with Arizona State, Pearsall didn’t get a whole lot of playing time.
As a freshman he made just 7 catches for 128. The following year, the Sun Devils played just four games in a shortened season and Pearsall had 6 catches for 86 yards.
Then things finally started to pick up for him as a junior. In his third year at ASU, Pearsall made 48 catches for 580 yards.
Before his fourth season, he transferred to Florida and quickly settled in as one of their top targets. He made 33 catches for 661 yards in his first year with the team.
This past season, he had the best year of his college career. As a fifth-year senior, Pearsall made 65 catches for 965 yards to give his draft stock a major boost.
The Steelers’ WR Needs Heading Into 2024
Following the trade of Diontae Johnson, the Steelers need somebody who they can depend on to play alongside George Pickens.
The only other receivers on their roster who made a catch last season are Calvin Austin and Van Jefferson. They had less than 400 combined yards in 2023.
If the Steelers don’t get some better options for Russell Wilson (or Justin Fields), then they likely still won’t see much improvement out of their offense.
This offseason Pittsburgh has been linked to some big names, and some of them are still options. The organization has had reported interest in signing Tyler Boyd or trading for Brandon Aiyuk.
According to Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline, they also “met extensively” with speedster Xavier Worthy, who is expected to be taken in the first round.
The Steelers have more pressing needs they could address with their first pick, No. 20 overall. That could leave them looking for somebody later on in the draft if they don’t land one of the veterans they’ve taken a look at.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has Pearsall projected as a potential second-round pick, which could be perfect for the Steelers if they decide to take a center in the first.
Pearsall may not be one of the biggest names in this year’s draft, but he certainly looks like he’d be a fit for the Steelers if they find themselves needing a receiver on Day 2 of the draft.
