National media outlet says former Tennessee Vols standout 'lost money' at the NFL combine
The Athletic thinks that a former Tennessee Vols standout "lost money" at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis last week. On Wednesday, The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner detailed which NFL draft prospects "made or lost money with their combine performances". Vols edge rusher James Pearce was one of the players that Baumgardner thinks "missed an opportunity". […]
The Athletic thinks that a former Tennessee Vols standout "lost money" at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis last week.
On Wednesday, The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner detailed which NFL draft prospects "made or lost money with their combine performances".
Vols edge rusher James Pearce was one of the players that Baumgardner thinks "missed an opportunity".
Pearce put up great numbers at the combine (including a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash), but questions about his "character" could lead to the former Vol falling out of the first round according to Baumgardner.
From The Athletic: Before you yell about Pearce’s electric 40-yard dash time (4.47, at 6-5, 245), behind-the-scenes combine buzz about concerns over Pearce’s attitude during his time at Tennessee absolutely made its rounds. It’s hard to say that perception changed during the week.
Despite the speed, pressures and win rate he produced for the Vols, do not be surprised if Pearce falls out of the first round — he did in Dane Brugler’s post-combine mock draft.
Pearce's character was never questioned during his time at Tennessee which is why it's surprising that these "concerns" are suddenly popping up.
VolQuest's Austin Price shared his thoughts on Pearce's character earlier this week during an appearance on 104.5 The Zone's Ramon, Kayla, and Will
"I think a lot of this is posturing," said Price of the rumors surrounding Pearce. "I think some teams want James Pearce to fall (in the draft). If he's falling to the third round, somebody is gonna look like a fool. James Pearce has got limitless talent. Now, was James Pearce a chore sometimes? Sure, I mean, but they all are…none of these kids are perfect.
"I thought James grew a lot. He matured a lot. James is much smarter than people realize. And again, when you go back, Jauan Jennings was a handful when he was here and he's doing just fine. Same thing with Shaun Ellis back in the 90s, or Raynoch Thompson. James Pearce, whoever drafts him, is going to get a steal — especially if they get him late in round one [or] early in round two. If he falls to the third round, that would be a travesty. Whoever's going to get him is going to get an angry, motivated kid. James Pearce is a really good football player…..he's still maturing, but James Pearce, again, I think grew a lot during his time [at Tennessee].
NFL teams will often throw out unsubstantiated rumors this time of year in an effort to manipulate where players fall in the draft. That could certainly be the case when it comes to Pearce. It's unfortunate for the players, but it's the reality of the NFL draft process.
