The Detroit Lions lost their No. 2 receiver when Josh Reynolds left in free agency to join the Denver Broncos, but could use their first-round pick to replenish the wide receiver room.
Analyst Lauren Gray of Pro Football Focus named the Lions as one of the most likely teams to pull off a “surprise” move and draft Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the first round. Though Pearsall is rated as a second-day draft pick, Gray noted that the Lions might jump at the opportunity to add depth beyond top receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and take him with the No. 29 overall pick.
Gray predicted that several teams could be willing to take a flyer on Pearsall in the first round, including the Buffalo Bills who pick just ahead of the Lions at No. 28 overall. Pearsall is coming off a season where he racked up 963 total yards, gaining 26 first downs from the slot, Gray noted.
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 wrote. “During his time at Florida, he recorded 49 explosive gains and the fourth-best drop rate (2.8%) among draft-eligible Power Five receivers.”
