National media outlet says Tennessee Vols edge rusher James Pearce is a perfect draft fit for NFC franchise
CBS Sports recently detailed a couple of perfect fits in the 2025 NFL Draft and they think Tennessee Vols edge rusher James Pearce is a solid match for the San Francisco 49ers. Pearce, a former four-star recruit from Charlotte, NC, declared for the 2025 NFL Draft shortly after the 2024 college football season (he had […]
CBS Sports recently detailed a couple of perfect fits in the 2025 NFL Draft and they think Tennessee Vols edge rusher James Pearce is a solid match for the San Francisco 49ers.
Pearce, a former four-star recruit from Charlotte, NC, declared for the 2025 NFL Draft shortly after the 2024 college football season (he had one year of eligibility remaining).
CBS Sports mentioned Pearce as a good choice for the 49ers in the first round of the draft (San Francisco has the No. 11 overall selection).
From CBS Sports: Assuming they are looking for immediate production, I believe Saleh and company will have their eyes on Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr., who led or co-led the SEC in sacks (17.5), tackles for loss (28.0) and pressures (107) in the last two seasons. He also posted the fastest 40 time (4.47 seconds) and 10-yard split (1.56 seconds) among edge rushers at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. He's a bit undersized (245 pounds), but that didn't stop Saleh from drafting Will McDonald (236 pounds) in the first round as the Jets head coach in 2023.
Interestingly, ESPN's Field Yates mocked Pearce to the 49ers in his latest 2025 NFL mock draft. Yates, however, has the 49ers selecting Pearce in the second round of this year's draft.
From ESPN: San Francisco will be using its 11 picks to check off needs, one of which is pass-rush depth. Pearce displays effortless movement skills and bend off the edge.
Pearce's draft stock has been all over the place this spring. He could realistically be anywhere from a top 15 pick to a late second round pick.
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