How Pearsall envisions thriving in Shanahan’s 49ers offense originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
Ricky Pearsall, the sixth wide receiver taken in the 2024 NFL Draft, believes he is the exact type of player who fits perfectly into 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme.
Shanahan uses moves to create matchups that his players can take advantage of, and This is music to Pearsall’s ears.
“My versatility is going to help me,” Pearsall said on 95.7 The Game’s “Morning Roast” on Wednesday. “I think being able to play in different positions and move around will help me, give me different opportunities. And obviously Coach Shanahan likes to get a lot of guys moving on the field, create matchups, create different looks, so I feel like I’m a guy that can do that.”
Taken No. 31 overall by the 49ersPearsall joins a wide receiver group featuring Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings, as well as tight end George Kittle.
Much of Shanahan’s offense is based on timing and being in the right place when the quarterback Brock Purdy drops back to pass.
“Morning Roast” hosts Bonta Hill and Joe Shasky asked Pearsall about what separates him from other wide receivers.
“Just my route understanding,” Pearsall said. “I really understand where to be, I’m very consistent and disciplined and the positions I’m in. The quarterback is never going to guess where I am. It’s going to be a consistent position. And then just my fluidity in route running.
“Especially on defenses now, there’s a lot of disguise coverage and moving plays, so being able to run routes with my eyes up and see moving plays and understand in motion why everything is happening so quickly, I think I do a good job. of that. And then how detailed I am with my running and the quality of it and how seriously I actually take it on and off the field.
Pearsall will get his first chance to showcase his route running ability when he reports for the 49ers’ rookie minicamp on Thursday, May 9, with his first practice taking place the following day in Santa Clara.
