The Detroit Lions are one of a bunch of teams who may end up targeting a new pass rusher in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Long thought of as a first-round lock, Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr. profiles as a player who could be a contributor immediately in the pros.
Despite once being regarded as a possible contender for the No. 1 overall pick before a good (but not great) final season with the Volunteers, Pearce's immense potential is still very enticing for a contending team.
In the right system, with the right collection of coaches around him, Pearce's traits as a player could flourish to the degree where he challenges for Pro Bowl nods annually. Time will tell if he can hit his stride, however.
Tennessee EDGE James Pearce Jr. 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Notes
- Height: 6-5
- Weight: 243
- Recruiting: 2022 4-star, No. 173 national, No. 18 EDGE, No. 6 NC
Positives
- One of the most explosive players in this class, quick first step makes him look like he was shot out of a cannon.
- Has perhaps the best rip move in this class, pairs it with solid bend that will help him blow by NFL tackles as soon as he arrives in the NFL.
- High-end closing speed helps him turn pressures into sacks, possesses nearly-elite athletic ability all-around.
- High football IQ, has improved at setting up tackles with feints before blowing by them and diagnosing screens.
Pearce has all the traits modern defensive coordinators want to see from their pass rushers, as he may be the best pure speed rusher in this class. Not only can he blow by tackles with ease, but he has the pursuit skill needed to bring the quarterback down afterward.
Pearce is more than just a heat-seeking missle, as he has shown off an advanced football brain early in his career. If he can keep adding to his toolbox of rush moves, look for him to make an immediate impact in a scheme that will let him hunt quarterbacks.
Negatives
- Comes with concerns about anger and character that could cause him to slip in the eyes of some teams.
- Less-than-ideal functional play strength, inability to win with bullrush or defend the run well could limit his versatility in the pros.
- Doesn't have the deepest bag of pass rush moves, can too often lean on raw athletic ability to get to the quarterback.
Pearce may not be the best if he has to put his hand in the dirt on every play. While his run defense was passable in college, it stands to reason he won't be able to mirror that production in the pros without putting on weight due to his size limitations.
It remains to be seen just how founded the rumors of his questionable character are, but they seem to be loud enough to warrant a slight drop in his stock. For what it is worth, his college coach, Josh Heupel, has had nothing but good things to say about him.
James Pearce Jr. NFL Player Comparison: Nik Bonitto
Bonitto broke out this season, showcasing a blend of speed on the edge and improved technical refinement that led to him piling up the sacks. Could Pearce follow suit?
James Pearce Jr. 2025 NFL Draft Grade: Mid 1st Round
In terms of the solitary act of rushing the passer, only Abdul Carter may be better in this class than Pearce. There are some warnings around him, but none of them are loud enough to discourage a team in the first round that needs an edge rusher from picking him.