American Football

49ers NFL Draft Round 1 Reacts Survey

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Florida State v Florida
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What did you think of the 49ers first round selection of Floridas Ricky Pearsall?

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Well then. You may insert your emotion in the comments of that pick. If you put “expected,” we know you are lying. The San Francisco 49ers threw a curveball at pick No. 31 selecting Florida Wide Receiver Ricky Pearsall. This obviously keeps the status of Brandon Aiyuk up in the air. As this is being posted, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch will be speaking to the media where Aiyuk’s status comes up almost immediately.

It won’t just be Aiyuk, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter hinted that all three wide receivers were possibly available if the price was rich enough. That means not just Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel are available, but also Jauan Jennings, who just signed his tender.

Many thought the 49ers would go offensive line at pick 31. Others thought the team would go secondary and draft a cornerback due to the win-now atmosphere that is growing in Santa Clara

The 49ers did neither and selected Pearsall. Pearsall himself has some good contributions. His highlight film has shown some ridiculous circus catches and he also has good experience fielding punts. That latter ability is something the 49ers could use since Ray-Ray McCloud is no longer with the team. Ronnie Bell fielded punts when McCloud was injured last year and he was lucky more of his ball security issues didn’t result in turnovers.

This pick just opens up so many questions. It isn’t just which wide receiver could be moved, but also where does the offensive line fit into this equation? The 49ers not only need a tackle to simply compete, but also have something ready to take the left side when Trent Williams calls it a career. A first round pick could have gone well on that.

Or on the secondary where they aren’t having their depth tested week in and week out.

The criticism aside, I do like Pearsall, and he’s a great fit for Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Should the 49ers not trade their wide receivers, they should be able to have all sorts of fun. And if Aiyuk just isn’t going to work out, be it this year or next year, the 49ers have someone to take his place.

But what do you think? Take our survey and discuss below.

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