NFL Draft analyst makes strong statement about Tennessee Vols edge rusher James Pearce and his potential as a pro player
A year ago, numerous analysts suggested that Tennessee Vols edge rusher James Pearce could be the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Pearce is no longer viewed as a legitimate option to be selected No. 1 overall, but he's still expected to be a first round pick in the draft later this […]
A year ago, numerous analysts suggested that Tennessee Vols edge rusher James Pearce could be the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Pearce is no longer viewed as a legitimate option to be selected No. 1 overall, but he's still expected to be a first round pick in the draft later this spring.
The biggest reason why Pearce is expected to slide to the middle of the first round is because he was limited as a run defender at Tennessee, which could force him to be more of a rotational pass rusher in the NFL.
CBS Sports' Mike Renner ranked Pearce this week as his No. 19 overall player in the 2025 NFL Draft. Renner cited Pearce's frame as the reason for not ranking the former Vol higher. Renner, however, acknowledged that if Pearce is able to "beef up", then he could be a "problem" in the NFL.
"James Pearce Jr. may very well be the most athletic defensive lineman in this draft class," wrote Renner. "His movement skills could pass for that of a wide receiver. The problem is that so could his frame. If he can beef up, he'll be a problem in the league."
Pearce didn't put up gaudy numbers for the Volunteers in 2024 (7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss), but his presence on the field, and the attention he demanded, created plenty of opportunities for his teammates.
NFL teams typically want to go with the safest "sure thing" in the first round of the draft. But Pearce's potential as a pass rusher at the pro level could be hard to pass up. All it takes is one team in the top 10 to fall in love with Pearce during the lead-up to the draft. It's not out of the question that Pearce could be the second former Vol in the last three years to be selected in the top 10 (former Vols offensive lineman Darnell Wright was selected by the Chicago Bears with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft).
ESPN makes prediction for Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns that all college football fans are hoping comes true
That would be a sight to see
