James Pearce puts on a show in the 40-yard-dash

He helped himself on Thursday.

Wearing a hoodie after he forgot his NFL Combine issued workout shirt, James Pearce dazzled during the 40-yard dash portion on Thursday evening in Indianapolis. The star pass rusher and projected first-round pick needed a strong showing at the event as his name has seemingly been slipping down mock drafts over the past couple of months.

Pearce certainly did that. He went 4.50 on his first attempt, then improved to an official time of 4.47. He also held the top 10-yard split of all defensive ends, highlighting that quick twitch fastball off of the edge.

Pearce’s 1.58 10-yard split puts him in the 91st percentile all time, while his 4.47 40 puts Pearce in the 96th percentile for defensive ends all time. His 40-yard dash time was quicker than names like Christian McCaffrey, CeeDee Lamb and Amon-Ra St. Brown, just to name a few.

Pearce’s vertical jump numbers (a key measurement for pass rushers) were disappointing, however. His 31” vertical was bottom five of all defense ends that took part. His detractors will point to that and a thin frame as red flags, but there’s no denying Pearce’s movement ability. Pearce came back to post a solid 10’3” in the broad jump (a more important jump number), which placed him in the 83rd percentile.

Worst case scenario? Pearce gives you a fastball situational pass rusher as he works to add a little bulk and more strength. He likely won’t be for everyone, but it’s hard to see him slipping out of the first round after posting numbers like these.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. did have Pearce dropping out of the first round in his mock draft earlier this week. I’ll bet that changes in his next one.