Tennessee Vols edge rusher lands with NFC franchise in latest 2025 NFL mock draft from ESPN
ESPN revealed its latest 2025 NFL mock draft on Thursday and they have Tennessee Vols star edge rusher James Pearce getting selected in middle of the first round. Draft analyst Matt Miller has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selecting Pearce with the No. 14 overall selection. From ESPN: Outside of better health at receiver, the Buccaneers' […]
ESPN revealed its latest 2025 NFL mock draft on Thursday and they have Tennessee Vols star edge rusher James Pearce getting selected in middle of the first round.
Draft analyst Matt Miller has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selecting Pearce with the No. 14 overall selection.
From ESPN: Outside of better health at receiver, the Buccaneers' roster is in good shape, which could allow the team to utilize the "best player available" strategy. Pearce certainly fits that bill, as he tops all FBS players with a 20.2% pressure rate. (He has just 5.5 sacks, though, compared to 10 in 2023.) Pearce might be a little small right now at 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds, but his frame is conducive to adding bulk. His speed and power combination would be a hit in Tampa Bay opposite Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Yaya Diaby.
Tennessee hasn't had a pass rusher selected in the first round of the NFL draft since Derek Barnett was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
(Barnett currently plays for the Houston Texans and he's coming off what was likely one of the most memorable games of his career this past week.)
Pearce hasn't put up crazy numbers this season — he has 5.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss in 10 games — but he's still making a major impact as a pass rusher. Pearce commands extra attention, which often creates opportunities for other players along Tennessee's defensive line.
