Former Tennessee Vols star that's viewed as a risky pick lands with Tennessee Titans in latest 2025 NFL mock draft
The latest 2025 NFL mock draft from CBS Sports has the Tennessee Titans selecting a former Tennessee Vols star that's viewed by some around the league as a risky pick. CBS Sports has the Titans drafting Vols edge rusher James Pearce in the second round (No. 35 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft. Edge rusher […]
The latest 2025 NFL mock draft from CBS Sports has the Tennessee Titans selecting a former Tennessee Vols star that's viewed by some around the league as a risky pick.
CBS Sports has the Titans drafting Vols edge rusher James Pearce in the second round (No. 35 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Edge rusher is a need for the Titans after releasing outside linebacker Harold Landry earlier this offseason.
Pearce is widely regarded as a first-round talent, but some character concerns that surfaced during the pre-draft process have raised questions and may be affecting his draft stock.
New Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi, who spent 16 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs before landing in Nashville, has a history of being involved with the selection of players who are viewed as risky.
From AtoZ Sports' Easton Freeze: The Kansas City Chiefs, just in the past couple years when Borgonzi was directly involved in the player personnel and draft decision-making process, have brought in multiple players who had serious red flags on other teams’ boards.
To name a few: Tyreek Hill, Ukeme Eligwe, Kareem Hunt, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Willie Gay Jr., Rashee Rice, and BJ Thompson. You can throw in Frank Clark and Kadarius Toney for good measure, who the Chiefs traded for.
For what it's worth, not everyone believes that the character concerns surrounding Pearce are legitimate.
"I think a lot of this is posturing," said VolQuest's Austin Price in March during an appearance on 104.5 The Zone's Ramon, Kayla, and Will. "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]."
Pearce, who spent three seasons in Knoxville, finished his Vols career with 71 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, and 19.5 sacks.
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