The 2025 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the James Pearce NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Edge Rusher
School: Tenessee
Size: 6-foot-5, 245 pounds
Class: Junior
2024 stats: 38 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 1 pass defended, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
As a four-star recruit in the class of 2022, Pearce joined Tennessee out of North Carolina. He played sparingly as a freshman, totaling five tackles, two tackles for loss and two sacks. Pearce started to have more of an impact in 2023, when he tallied 28 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. His play helped the Volunteers win nine games. For the 2024 season, Pearce totaled 38 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He led Tennessee to 10 wins during the season.
Following the season, Pearce declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a first or second-round pick.
Pearce has great athleticism for the position, at least in a linear sense. He times up the snap well and gets a good jump on the play, showing good burst. His acceleration translates into speed. This quickness and speed can help him beat offensive linemen around the edge and pursue ball carriers well.
While he is a little light, Pearce actually successfully converted his speed to power more than expected. He was able to take his velocity and knock offensive linemen backwards when rushing. This was surprising, but also could be a big part of his game if he continues to fill out his frame.
He has a good, consistent motor. Pearce often times will have his initial rush stopped, but he keeps on working towards the quarterback and can sometimes get some production from his secondary effort. His motor also shows up against the run, as he continues to work towards the football and shows good pursuit.
Pearce has decent size, but has some limitations. He can add strength and fill out his frame a little bit better to hold up against bigger offensive tackles. Adding the strength will make it even easier for him to convert speed to power. Along with his relative lack of size, he has under 33-inch arms, which is below average for the position. This makes it harder for him to shed blocks.
As mentioned, Pearce is a good linear athlete, but he can have trouble with his flexibility and changing directions. He isn’t really a threat to bend around the edge, which makes him a straightforward rusher. He is tight-hipped player, but added flexibility could make him more well-rounded.
Right now, Pearce is a more impactful pass rusher than run defender. He can take too long to shed, which allows ball carriers to run past him. While he does have good pursuit, he needs to take on blocks better and then get off of them. Added strength will help him, but he may never be an elite run defender.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick
Draft Grade: Second Round Pick
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