Saints get a new "partner in crime" during latest A to Z Sports 2025 NFL mock draft
Another defensive piece could head to the black and gold in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The New Orleans Saints will have plenty of needs after some tough offseason decisions, but only time will tell where they need help the most. Saints take a new pass rusher With the tenth overall selection […]
Another defensive piece could head to the black and gold in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The New Orleans Saints will have plenty of needs after some tough offseason decisions, but only time will tell where they need help the most.
Saints take a new pass rusher
With the tenth overall selection in the latest A to Z Sports mock draft, the Saints selected Tennessee Volunteers pass rusher James Pearce Jr. to bolster their defense.
10. New Orleans Saints: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
The Saints need to find a partner in crime for Carl Granderson, and Pearce brings the perfect compliment to his power profile. Pearce is long, explosive, and bendy. There’s a legitimate chance he ends up developing into the best pass rusher in the class. — Ryan Roberts
This pick is a look toward upside for New Orleans. Pearce is arguably the top pure pass rusher in this class with a powerful athleticism profile. Not many defensive linemen move quite like him when it comes to getting to the QB.
Travis May has high hopes for Pearce as well. His comparison for the Vols star is Brian Burns, probably a top ten edge rusher in the NFL currently.
James Pearce Jr. is the best true pass rusher in the 2025 NFL Draft class. No other prospect in this class has back to back years with pass rush pressure rates over 20%. His flexibility, burst, and finish make him one of the easiest first round projections in the nation.
He should be a pass rush specialist immediately who offers sufficient size and the frame to build into an even-front defensive end if necessary, but also can stand up as an edge defender in odd-front schemes. Pearce needs to add a little strength, but should be a slam dunk pick in the early first round of the draft. — Travis May
Despite his pass-rushing prowess, Pearce's 2024 season stats (3 tackles, 1 TFL, 0.5 sacks through four games) don't tell the full story of his impact. Opponents have consistently schemed away from him, resulting in only 268 yards gained on 107 snaps where Pearce was on the field. His presence has forced penalties, created opportunities for teammates, and limited big plays. However, his lighter frame and occasional struggles against the run highlight areas for improvement. — NFL Draft Buzz
Pearce is ranked as the ninth overall player in the 2025 NFL draft class, via A to Z Sports.
Defensive line's future
As for New Orleans' DL, there are plenty of questions.
Bryan Bresee has shown flashes inside, but the consistency and run defense must improve. New Orleans may look to add another veteran interior player to replace Khalen Saunders or Nathan Shepherd this offseason.
Off the edge, Cameron Jordan has struggled for parts of this season but has played better since the firing of Dennis Allen. He's a potential option for New Orleans to move off of in the offseason to help their salary cap, especially if he chose to retire.
Carl Granderson is the most long-term, safe bet for the Saints line as of now. Adding pass rush help will be key for New Orleans this offseason, and the most likely route for that will be the 2025 NFL Draft.
Pearce and others will be on their radar in round one.
Saints draft the perfect player to join Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed in recent 2025 NFL mock draft
Major upgrade for the offense.
