Twitter reacts to Ricky Pearsall being selected at pick 31: C.J. Stroud approves

He was in the minority…

Oh, twitter. Or X, or whatever it’s called these days. Please don’t ever change, even though it has changed a bunch recently. Anyway, the 49ers round selection set the app ablaze late Thursday night as the 49ers selected WR Ricky Pearsall with their 31st pick.

Let’s set the stage with the fashion the pick was revealed. Depending on who you follow, each pick was leaked moments before the official announcement. Adam Schefter and Ian Rapaport weren’t among the leakers, as I’m sure they were instructed by the NFL not to spoil picks for the drama of the broadcast. Every single pick was leaked, yet only one was leaked and then corrected. Of course, it was pick 31 by the 49ers. Initial leaks indicated Cooper DeJean was the selection, only to have that wiped away with the Pearsall announcement.

Fans were confused as many celebrated DeJean joining the 49ers defense to most likely fill the “star” role in Nick Sorenson and Brandon Staley’s defense. Many fans wanted a receiver at 31, but few thought it would be Pearsall.

Let’s look at some of the best reactions from last night:

Ladd McConkey was a popular name in mock drafts and profiled like a Kyle Shanahan receiver. Adonai Mitchell was a personal favorite of mine, but ultimately, this reaction is the opinion of many given receiver rankings headed into the draft.

No reaction piece is complete with a nice meme. While I chuckled at the Druski meme, this feels like an exaggeration, but many fans weren’t pleased with the selection.

Speaking of jokes, someone had to make the old “doghouse” joke, right? Hopefully, Pearsall is more like Brandon Aiyuk than Dante Pettis if he does get into Shanny’s doghouse.

Clearly, Pearsall won’t be Marvin Harrison, Jr, but he doesn’t need to be for the 49ers to have a return on investment. This Anthony Edwards meme is gold in the moment.

Pearsall’s selection has sparked speculation on the internet about Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel being available for trade on day two. Pearsall feels like a possible Samuel replacement, but I don’t think Samuel is moved today. A trio of Aiyuk, Samuel, and Pearsall would be dynamite next season with Jauan Jennings as a third-down/red zone target.

Bucky Brooks has high praise for the former Arizona State and Florida receiver. There is a large sentiment about the fit and polish of Pearsall. His lack of production can be attributed to the Gators’ offense and quarterback.

Don’t believe me? Matt Harmon of Yahoo Sports’ reception perception tool has Pearsall winning on many routes. Green is good, by the way.

Guy Haberman sat down with someone who covered Pearsall in Florida, and he spoke glowingly of the 49ers selection. There seem to be many scouting reports floating out there about Pearsall.

Finally, the reigning OROY CJ Stroud dubbed Pearsall “elite,” his reaction to the pick was nothing short of truthful as he wanted his Houston Texans to draft the young man.

The truth is that team needs and available players perceive the value of draft picks. John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan spoke about everything they liked about Pearsall, including his route running, toughness, and willingness to run block. Players exceed their draft spot every season. Pearsall’s impact and value will be determined with time. One thing you can set your watch to is the 49ers selecting players they like and not who is perceived by the masses.