It may sound a bit strange to say the Minnesota Vikings’ wide receiver room has needed — and still needs — work. Isn’t Justin Jefferson the frontrunner for the best WR in the league, not to mention the face of the franchise? And wasn’t it just last year that the front office spent a first-round draft pick on another wide receiver, Jordan Addison, who absolutely lived up to the hype?
But the receiving corps has lacked depth for awhile, and that’s as true as ever right now. Despite flashes from Brandon Powell and the occasional Jalen Nailor catch, the Vikings never had a solid WR3 option. K.J. Osborn started the year as WR3 and had seven drops last year — and his status was never even significantly threatened by anyone else on the roster.
Given the limited number of free-agent receivers, it only makes sense that Minnesota would use the draft to address this need. Fortunately, the Vikings can fix their WR3 hole by drafting Ricky Pearsall out of Florida in the second or early third round.
Pearsall possesses hands as sticky as Velcro, reeling in throws other Vikings receivers may let slip.
If one video doesn’t make you believe Pearsall has Gorilla Glue hands, perhaps his numbers will.
Adding Pearsall’s sure hands in the draft instantly improves Minnesota’s receiver room. Fewer plays like this one, please:
Additionally, Pearsall is an outstanding route-runner down the field. He averaged 15.2 yards per reception at Florida while primarily playing in the slot.
Unlike some other recent deep threats, Pearsall also has the ability to make contested catches. He proved he could do it against NFL talent at this year’s Senior Bowl.
Chau Smith-Wade, a CB from Washington State projected to go in the fourth round, is draping on Pearsall in the clip above, but he still gets his hands on the ball. That indicates he’ll be sure-handed against NFL corners and shows his great catching ability is not just situational or due to the natural separation generated by his route running.
Pearsall is extremely precise in his downfield route running, making sharp cuts and generating a lot of space between himself and the opposing defensive backs.
However, most of Pearsall’s receiving production comes from downfield throws. His route tree is limited from what we have seen in his time in college, especially on short routes, which can hinder him at the next level. But with the right offensive mind and game plan, Pearsall can further develop his skills and flourish in the NFL.
Pearsall is extremely good at end-arounds, though, and also possesses great vision as a ball carrier. Florida used him almost everywhere in their offense.
Pearsall ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, which is why Florida ran these plays frequently with him. But it takes him some time to build up to his top speed in-game, which could be an issue in the NFL due to the increased athleticism of defenders at the next level. However, Pearsall excels at these plays because of his superb vision as a ball carrier. He can spot holes and make the proper move to hit them quickly.
Additionally, the ability we’ve seen Pearsall use on these end-around plays is also the same skill that would make him a fantastic punt returner. He was an ace special teamer at Florida, averaging 11.5 yards per punt return as a senior despite only being the main punt returner in his final season of college.
I was a huge advocate of the Vikings drafting Jameson Williams two years ago. Williams was also a versatile receiver who frequently ran deep routes and end-arounds out of the slot. Williams would have complemented Jefferson, and the same is true for Pearsall.
Pearsall’s ability to take end-arounds to the house and generate explosive plays may remind Vikings fans of Percy Harvin. If Minnesota drafts Pearsall, fans may see shades of Harvin in Pearsall’s game.
He gave a great and honest analysis of himself at the combine.
If I had to use one term to describe Pearsall as a prospect, it would be selective versatility. Pearsall has a vast and wide-ranging set of skills. However, he lacks certain traits that NFL teams would want in a WR3, like a facility for shorter routes coming from the slot. But with such a specific set of skills, an offensive-minded coach would help Pearsall reach his potential. Kevin O’Connell could fit him into a unique role into the Vikings’ offense, finally rounding out their wide receiver room.
