It’s almost here, that time where Tennessee football players officially live out their dreams by becoming NFL players. A number of Volunteers players will likely be drafted, but a couple have a chance at going in the first three rounds (two days) of the draft. The first and foremost of those is Tennessee DE James Pearce, Jr.
College production
Pearce at one point in the 2024 offseason was considered by some as a strong candidate for the top overall pick in the 2025 draft.
Then, well, Pearce turned in another strong season, and……that seemed to have changed the perception on him. For some reason unbeknownst to me. His sacks numbers dipped from 2023 to 2024 from 10 (tops in the SEC) to 7.5.
That being said, I still don’t get it because, once again, Pearce delivered what NFL evaluators care the most about with edge rushers: pressure. Pearce led all edge rushers in pressure rate at 21.9% last year, according to Pro Football Focus. He’s also the only player to post a pressure rate of 20+% over the last two seasons.
What more could you want?
Physical measurements and Combine performance
Pearce did little to hurt his draft stock at Indianapolis. Quite the contrary, actually. He measured in at 6’5”, 245 pounds with a 32 3/4” arm length. He dropped jaws with a 4.47 40-yard dash and a 1.56 10-yard split, absolutely ridiculous numbers from a defensive end. He added a 31” vertical jump and 10’3” broad jump.
NFL.com listed Pearce as having the fourth-best production and overall scores among all edge players.
Draft profile
NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah most recent ranking has Pearce as his 33rd best player and has the following profile for him:
Pearce is a long, lean edge rusher. The Volunteers moved him around in their scheme and he created havoc from a variety of entry points. His first three steps are very explosive when he’s rushing off the edge. For such a lean-framed player, he can generate a lot of pocket push with his bull rush. When he’s used as a walk-around blitzer, he exposes the lack of athleticism along the interior of offensive lines. They clear the runway for him and he goes to work. His pressure rate stands out among his peers in this class. Against the run, he plays bigger than his weight would suggest. He sets a firm edge, especially against tight ends. Overall, Pearce has double-digit sack potential and should make an immediate impact in the league.
My prediction: late first round
I don’t think Pearce will end up out of the first round (which I admittedly could be wrong about with the nature of the draft). I think the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles are two possible landing spots for the former Vol, unless Philly, at 32, trades out of the first round. He would help the Eagles re-fortify their pass rush after Josh Sweat signed with the Cardinals last month in free agency.