Power-4 coach says former Tennessee Vols DL James Pearce wants 'no part of' one aspect of playing defense
Tennessee Vols edge rusher James Pearce is expected to be a first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Pearce, however, likely won't be selected as high in the first round as he was projected a year ago. That's in part due to concerns about Pearce's "coachability" (even though there was no evidence of that being […]
Tennessee Vols edge rusher James Pearce is expected to be a first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Pearce, however, likely won't be selected as high in the first round as he was projected a year ago.
That's in part due to concerns about Pearce's "coachability" (even though there was no evidence of that being a concern during his three seasons at Tennessee).
Another reason is because of the perception that Pearce is a one-dimensional player who struggles to defend the run.
A Power-4 offensive line coach who faced off against Pearce and the Volunteers told The Athletic's Bruce Feldman recently that the talented edge rusher "wants no part of setting the edge and stopping the run".
“We felt like we could neutralize him with some chips and take him out,” said the Power 4 offensive line coach to The Athletic. “He wants no part of setting the edge and stopping the run. He reminds me a lot of (former Falcons first-rounder) Vic Beasley.”
“He’s got great get-off, but I think he’s very one-dimensional,” added an SEC offensive line coach.
Pearce was utilized mostly as a pass rusher at Tennessee while playing in a heavy defensive line rotation. Part of the reason he wasn't better against the run is because that's not really what the Vols' coaching staff asked him to do.
It's worth noting, though, that Pearce graded out well in run defense in 2024 per Pro Football Focus.
Pearce is an elite pass rusher that could be productive in the NFL even as a "one-dimensional player". There's reason to believe, however, that Pearce could develop into a solid all-around edge rusher in the NFL, despite the concerns echoed by various college coaches.
