National outlet identifies what Tennessee Vols edge rusher James Pearce, Jr. must do at the NFL Combine to improve his draft stock
Former Tennesse Vols edge rusher James Pearce, Jr. was once considered to be one of the first players to be drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, if not the first overall player. That was back before the 2024 season began, and despite posting a second straight season with a pressure rate of over 20% – […]
Former Tennesse Vols edge rusher James Pearce, Jr. was once considered to be one of the first players to be drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, if not the first overall player. That was back before the 2024 season began, and despite posting a second straight season with a pressure rate of over 20% – the only pass college pass rush prospect to do that – his stock doesn't appear to be as strong as it was last offseason.
Fortunately, he has the NFL Combine to turn the tide and get back to being considered one of those top players. The Combine will take place from February 27 – March 2 in Indianapolis.
According to Kyle Crabbs of the national outlet The 33rd Team, there's something that Pearce, Jr. can do there that would improve his draft prospects, and it's very simple: carry some weight.
This is what Crabbs had to say of Pearce, Jr.:
Edge James Pearce, Jr., Tennessee – Weigh In
James Pearce is the first name on this list who was a member of the annual Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List. Pearce Jr. is credited with hitting 23 mph on GPS tracking at an alleged 245 pounds.
However, he’s a lean-framed player, which the league can get skittish on because of the need to play with power consistently to win as a pass rusher in the league. There's no doubt that Pearce will run well, assuming he runs. But doing so at 240 vs. 250 pounds is a big deal.
It makes some level of sense that league executives would like to see Pearce, Jr. add a little bit of weight and make himself more of an anchor against NFL offensive tackles. His run defense has been the most mentioned issue when talking about his pros and cons as a prospect, although it's something he improved in 2024.
That's something that's made Pearce, Jr. a bit of an enigma among mock drafts. Some pundits have had him going in the top half of the first round, while some have had him sliding all the way to the middle of the second round.
If Pearce, Jr. can show up to Indianapolis at a little bit heavier weight and still put forth eye-popping numbers on the tests that give general managers faith that he won't slow down or lose explosiveness if he fills out his frame a bit more, then he could end up being a big winner come draft day.
Former Nebraska player on canceled matchup with Vols: Huskers don’t need a ‘Tennessee W’ to accomplish goals
The ex-Husker made his feelings clear
