Could James Pearce, Jr. Be the Secret Weapon the Bengals Need in 2025?
Tennessee Vols standout edge rusher James Pearce, Jr. is gaining considerable attention as a top prospect in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
Many believe he has the potential to be selected in the first round, and according to one analyst, Pearce could land with an AFC contender that’s relatively close to his college home in Knoxville, Tennessee.
AJ Schulte of A to Z Sports has recently projected Pearce to be chosen by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 17th overall pick. This could be a perfect landing spot for the dynamic pass rusher as it would offer him a chance to help elevate a playoff-caliber team to new heights in 2025.
Cincinnati’s offense has consistently been one of the best in the NFL, thanks to quarterback Joe Burrow, who is coming off a Pro Bowl season after a remarkable bounce-back performance in 2024. The Bengals, however, are facing challenges on the defensive side of the ball. Despite having one of the league’s top defensive coordinators in Lou Anarumo, Cincinnati parted ways with him after a disappointing year, signaling that the team’s defensive struggles may have been more about the personnel than the coaching.
In this context, Pearce would be a key asset to the Bengals’ defense, offering the pass-rushing edge they desperately need. The Bengals’ defensive line already boasts a star in Trey Hendrickson, a First Team All-Pro who led the NFL in sacks during the 2024 season with 17.5.
Pearce would not only benefit from learning alongside such a seasoned and successful player, but Hendrickson’s presence would also draw significant attention from opposing offenses, potentially freeing up Pearce to make an even bigger impact.
With Pearce’s impressive skills, he could thrive in this environment, learning from one of the league’s premier edge rushers while contributing to an up-and-coming defense. Should Pearce slide down the draft board a little further than expected, Cincinnati’s proximity to Knoxville, about three and a half hours away, makes this a very realistic scenario. It would allow him to stay close to his college roots while continuing to develop his talents at the next level.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Pearce’s name will certainly remain in the spotlight, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the Bengals make a move to secure this promising young talent, making Pearce a key part of their future defensive plans.
