Pro Football Focus analyst Trevor Sikkema recently evaluated every NFC team's offseason moves and picked the best one for each. While the San Francisco 49ers were less aggressive than they have been in recent years, they managed to revamp their underperforming defensive line, including adding Leonard Floyd to complement pass-rushing phenom Nick Bosa.
There is also the lingering issue of the contract stalemate between the 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, a situation both sides would like to see resolved before the start of training camp on July 23. This could become the 49ers' most significant offseason move.
For now, Sikkema looked back at the draft. While many criticized the 49ers for using their first-round pick on Ricky Pearsall, adding to an already talent-rich wide receiver room, Sikkema loved the move.
"Perhaps some felt that drafting wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was overkill for the 49ers' receiver room or was done so in a way that may have alienated Brandon Aiyuk, but the move was brilliant," Sikkema explained.
The 49ers selected Pearsall, a former Florida and Arizona State player, as the No. 31 overall pick. In the limited action they observed during the team's offseason program, he impressed reporters. Star linebacker Fred Warner also praised the rookie wideout.
"He can obviously run fast, he can run really good routes, can catch the ball well," Warner said in June. "So we'll see what happens when we throw the pads on."
While many saw Pearsall's selection at No. 31 as a reach, Sikkema is more understanding of the decision to select the young receiver.
"At that point in the draft, wide receiver was the best talent value," Sikkema wrote. "By drafting Pearsall, San Francisco gave itself backup if Aiyuk did end up being traded. And if Aiyuk was back in the fold, they'd have an even deeper and more talented offense. Pearsall can play all three receiver spots with skill, speed and toughness."
