B/R writer says Saints should avoid Ricky Pearsall at all costs

Jan 31, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; National wide receiver Ricky Pearsall of Florida (11) during practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL draft always carries a level of risk, but the New Orleans Saints haven’t helped themselves by gambling on some high-risk, high-reward prospects in recent years. So who should they be wary of this year?

Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine singled out one player that each team should avoid in the 2024 NFL draft. He believes the New Orleans Saints should avoid Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. Ballentine’s criteria includes fit within the scheme, roster priorities, bust potential and injury risk.

Pearsall isn’t seen as a first-round wide receiver, but he would be an option in the second round at No. 45. Ballentine writes that “Success in the NFL draft is nearly as much about avoiding taking the wrong player as it is avoiding the wrong fit.” That statement comes into play heavily when identifying the player the Saints should avoid. Here’s more from him on Pearsall:

In a recent mock draft from ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates, the Saints took Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall at No. 45 overall. Kiper correctly noted that the Saints could use additional receiving help after moving on from Michael Thomas this offseason, but it’s fair to question how Pearsall would fit with the Saints’ current wideout room.

At 6’1″ and 189 pounds, Pearsall is not a big receiver. His below-average play strength would make him an ideal fit as a slot threat who can win on vertical routes against slower linebackers and safeties.

Someone who more closely resembles the 6’3″, 212-pound Thomas would make more sense for the Saints if they want to add to their receiver room.

Ballentine took an interesting angle. Not once did he attack Pearsall the player. He didn’t even attack the Saints selecting a wide receiver at No. 45. Ballentine used both of these angles with other teams. He instead criticized how the player would fit with the team. The Saints drafting a wide receiver at 45 would make a lot sense but not Pearsall, according to Ballentine.

Pearsall’s size is right on par with both Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. As mentioned, if you’re replacing Michael Thomas a player closer to his size makes sense. Pearsall gives you another vertical threat to pair with other vertical threats. That would only be acceptable if the player could come in and replace Olave as a number one threat. Basically, the bar is higher for players who don’t fit a currently empty role in the Saints offense.

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This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: B/R writer says Saints should avoid Ricky Pearsall at all costs