National media outlet says former Tennessee Vols standout would be a home run pick for San Francisco 49ers in the 2025 NFL Draft
CBS Sports thinks a former Tennessee Vols standout would be a home run pick for the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The national sports media outlet recently detailed a few scenarios where the "best available and biggest need should collide for some home-run picks". CBS Sports believes that […]
CBS Sports thinks a former Tennessee Vols standout would be a home run pick for the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The national sports media outlet recently detailed a few scenarios where the "best available and biggest need should collide for some home-run picks".
CBS Sports believes that former Vols edge rusher James Pearce would be a perfect selection for the 49ers at No. 11 overall in the first round.
From CBS Sports: The 49ers have the No. 11 pick in 2025, so this is their shot to finally land an elite pass rusher opposite Nick Bosa. Since drafting Bosa, they've invested in names like Dee Ford, Drake Jackson and Leonard Floyd, among others, with no luck. The question is, who will the 49ers target in a deep defensive line class?
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. Read more at CBS Sports
There's some concern about Pearce's ability to defend the run, which has led to some analysts to label him as a one-dimensional player. But the Charlotte, NC native has obviously elite pass rushing skills that should override concerns about his ability to defend the run. The 49ers have a need for an elite pass rusher and Pearce's rare athleticism could be extremely tempting at No. 11 overall.
