Richard Sherman loves the Ricky Pearsall pick for the 49ers

May 2, 2024, 2:42 PM

Ricky Pearsall #1 of the Florida Gators runs with the ball as Javien Toviano #25 of the LSU Tigers ...

Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

The San Francisco 49ers made a splash move by drafting Ricky Pearsall in the first round of last month’s draft. But one that many, including Richard Sherman, thinks is a good addition for the Red & Gold.

The former San Francisco 49ers cornerback discussed SF’s 2024 draft class on a recent episode of his podcast The Richard Sherman Podcast. Speaking on San Francisco for only a few minutes, Sherman expressed is pleasure with the Pearsall pick, calling it a luxury for the 49ers at the moment.

“I like the Pearsall pick. It’s a luxury pick,” Richard Sherman said on his podcast this week. “I think Brandon Aiyuk’s about to get his contract, he’s about to get paid. I don’t think he or Deebo Samuel sees this as any kind of threat to them.”

"I don't think Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel sees this as any kind of threat to them"

—@RSherman_25 reacts to the 49ers drafting Ricky Pearsall pic.twitter.com/9voGLJc9sa

— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) April 30, 2024

Of course, the 49ers might not see Pearsall that way, especially after the 2024 season. But for now, the rookie wideout will have to fight for his role in the offense, likely to be fourth on the depth chart entering training camp.

However, it is possible Ricky Pearsall carves out a bigger role throughout next season. The Arizona native amassed 2,420 receiving yards, 159 catches and 14 touchdowns in 55 games. Pearsall is also well versed in special-teams, known as a dynamic punt returner.

As for Sherman’s take on the 49ers’ current state: He still has some questions.

But, the former 49er did acknowledge the good job of replacing key depth pieces to make a run in 2024, giving them the benefit of the doubt. Change is always scary however, leaving Sherman to “wait-and-see” with SF.

“I don’t think it was a panic meter, it was just change,” Richard Sherman explained. “Change is always scary, and life without Arik Armstead is an unknown. I guess [the 49ers] had stints throughout the season [without him]. You’ve had games throughout his career where you guys have had to play without Arik Armstead, and they’ve done fine, but they also have seen dips in their run defense. They played worse against the run, they’ve had less pressures, gotten less sacks, things like that. And I think they tried to address that in a number of ways. I think they might feel like they got some young guys who can step into the fold and make a difference. But there’s still some concern there until I see it on the field.”

And those questions will remain until the 49ers get back on the field this fall.