As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Tennessee’s standout defensive end, James Pearce Jr., continues to be a prominent figure in mock drafts, consistently projected as a late first-round selection. Despite earlier projections placing him higher, recent analyses suggest a slight dip in his draft stock, yet he remains a coveted prospect for teams seeking to bolster their defensive front.
Collegiate Career and Achievements
James Pearce Jr., hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, has been a cornerstone of the Tennessee Volunteers’ defense over the past three seasons. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 243 pounds, Pearce has demonstrated exceptional athleticism and versatility on the field. Throughout his collegiate career, he amassed 19.5 sacks, 29.5 tackles for loss, and 71 total tackles. His performance earned him First-team All-SEC honors in both 2023 and 2024, underscoring his impact in the Southeastern Conference.
In the 2024 season, Pearce led the Volunteers with 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss, alongside a career-high 38 tackles, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. His relentless pursuit of quarterbacks and ability to disrupt offensive plays have made him a formidable force on the defensive line.
Mock Draft Projections
Early mock drafts positioned Pearce as a potential top-10 pick, with some analysts even projecting him as the number one overall selection. Pro Football Focus, in a way-too-early 2025 mock draft, had the Carolina Panthers selecting Pearce first overall, highlighting his potential to fill the void left by trading away Brian Burns.
However, as the draft process has progressed, Pearce’s projection has shifted slightly. Mel Kiper Jr.’s initial 2025 NFL Mock Draft, released in January, saw Pearce slipping to the end of the first round, landing with the Detroit Lions. Kiper noted that despite the drop, Pearce’s impressive speed and array of pass-rushing moves make him a valuable asset, capable of enhancing Detroit’s defensive capabilities. Rocky Top Talk
Similarly, CBS Sports’ mock drafts have featured Pearce as a late first-round pick. Analyst Josh Edwards projected Pearce to complement Nick Bosa on the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive line, aiming to strengthen their pass rush.
Factors Influencing Draft Stock
Several factors have contributed to the fluctuation in Pearce’s draft projections:
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Positional Value and Team Needs: The demand for edge rushers varies among teams, and while Pearce’s talent is undeniable, teams selecting earlier may prioritize other positions based on their specific needs.
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Comparative Analysis: The 2025 draft class boasts a deep pool of defensive talent. Prospects like Mykel Williams from Georgia and Nic Scourton from Texas A&M have also garnered significant attention, leading to varied rankings among edge rushers.
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Pre-Draft Evaluations: Performance in the NFL Combine, pro days, and individual team workouts can significantly impact a player’s draft stock. Pearce’s upcoming evaluations will be crucial in solidifying his position in the first round.
Team Fits and Potential Impact
Teams selecting in the latter part of the first round often have established rosters and are seeking players who can make immediate contributions. Pearce’s skill set aligns with several franchises aiming to enhance their defensive edge:
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Detroit Lions: With a pressing need to improve their pass rush, the Lions could benefit from Pearce’s explosiveness and ability to pressure quarterbacks, complementing their existing defensive personnel.
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San Francisco 49ers: Pairing Pearce with an elite pass rusher like Nick Bosa could create a formidable duo, elevating the 49ers’ defensive front to new heights.
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Atlanta Falcons: Holding the 15th pick, the Falcons have been projected in multiple mock drafts to select Pearce, aiming to address their need for a dynamic edge rusher.
James Pearce Jr.’s journey from a standout collegiate athlete to a prospective first-round NFL Draft pick underscores his talent and dedication. While mock drafts provide a snapshot based on current evaluations, the dynamic nature of pre-draft processes means projections can evolve. Pearce’s upcoming performances in pre-draft events will be pivotal in determining his final draft position. Regardless of where he lands, his collegiate achievements and skill set suggest he will be a valuable addition to any NFL defense, poised to make an immediate impact at the professional level.
Pearce’s Strengths and Weaknesses
As the draft approaches, scouts and analysts continue to evaluate James Pearce Jr.’s strengths and areas for improvement. His film, combined with upcoming performances at the NFL Combine and Pro Day, will determine whether he solidifies his first-round status or slides further down draft boards.
Strengths
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Elite Athleticism and Burst
Pearce possesses an explosive first step, allowing him to beat offensive tackles off the edge quickly. His ability to accelerate through the line of scrimmage and close on quarterbacks makes him a dangerous pass-rushing threat. -
Versatility as a Pass Rusher
One of Pearce’s biggest assets is his variety of pass-rushing moves. He effectively uses a mix of speed rushes, spin moves, and bull rushes to keep offensive linemen guessing. This versatility gives him the potential to be a day-one contributor at the NFL level. -
Length and Frame
Standing at 6’5″ with long arms, Pearce can disengage from blockers and disrupt passing lanes. His frame allows him to extend plays and wrap up ball carriers efficiently, making him a strong tackler in both pass-rush and run-defense situations. -
High Motor and Effort
Pearce is known for his relentless pursuit of the football. Whether in pursuit of a scrambling quarterback or chasing down a running back on the backside, he rarely gives up on a play. Coaches at the next level will value this kind of effort and tenacity. -
Production Against Top Competition
Playing in the SEC, Pearce faced elite offensive linemen week in and week out. Despite this, he consistently produced high sack totals and tackles for loss, proving he can perform at a high level against NFL-caliber talent.
Areas for Improvement
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Run Defense and Strength at the Point of Attack
While Pearce is an elite pass rusher, he still has room to grow as a run defender. At times, he struggles to set the edge against bigger offensive linemen, allowing running backs to break contain. Adding functional strength in the offseason will help him improve in this area. -
Weight and Bulk Concerns
At 243 pounds, Pearce may need to add weight to hold up against NFL offensive tackles. Some teams prefer their edge rushers to be in the 250–265 pound range, particularly in 4-3 defensive schemes where they are expected to take on blockers more frequently. -
Consistency in Play Recognition
There are moments on film where Pearce hesitates against play-action or misdirection plays. While his athleticism allows him to recover quickly, refining his football IQ and improving his ability to diagnose plays will make him an even more complete player.