NFL Draft Profile – James Pearce, Tennessee EDGE Rusher: A Potential Top Pass Rusher in the 2025 Draft
James Pearce, the dynamic EDGE rusher from the University of Tennessee, is making a name for himself as one of the most promising prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
While the Volunteers’ football program has gained recognition for its high-octane offense under head coach Josh Heupel, the 2024 season marked a significant shift. Tennessee’s defense, led by Pearce, emerged as one of the most formidable units in the nation, ranking 6th in total defense. Pearce, a junior, played a pivotal role in this transformation and is now poised to be a potential first-round pick, with many analysts expecting him to be one of the top pass rushers available.
Physical Measurements:
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 243 lbs.
Strengths and Upside:
James Pearce has the physical tools and skill set that make him an elite prospect for NFL teams in need of an edge rusher. Standing 6’5″ and weighing 243 pounds, Pearce boasts a rare blend of size, speed, and athleticism that allows him to dominate on the defensive line. His length and frame give him an advantage when it comes to disengaging from blockers, and his explosiveness off the line of scrimmage is difficult to match.
A former Top-200 recruit, Pearce had a gradual start to his college career, playing a more limited role during his freshman year in 2022. However, he quickly established himself as a force in his sophomore season, emerging as one of the top sack artists in the SEC. Pearce led the conference with 10 sacks in 2023, showcasing his ability to relentlessly pressure quarterbacks. Despite being the focal point of opposing offensive lines in 2024, Pearce still managed to tally 7.5 sacks, demonstrating his consistency and ability to perform even when opponents schemed against him.
What sets Pearce apart is his ability to generate pressure from various spots on the defensive front. Whether rushing off the edge, standing up in a 2-point stance, or working inside, Pearce displays versatility in his approach. He has a quick first step, combined with impressive hand technique, that allows him to beat blockers and reach the quarterback with efficiency. His motor is always running, and he’s relentless in pursuit of the ball carrier, making him a constant threat on every play.
Additionally, Pearce’s work ethic and continuous improvement are notable. After a promising sophomore campaign, he worked hard in the offseason to refine his pass-rush moves and enhance his physicality against the run, areas that have traditionally been weak spots for edge rushers. In 2024, Pearce made significant strides in improving his ability to stop the run, which should bolster his draft stock even further, as NFL teams are looking for more well-rounded players who can contribute in all phases of the game.
Areas for Improvement:
While Pearce is an exceptional pass rusher, some scouts have pointed out areas where he could improve, particularly in his consistency against the run. There were moments in 2024 when Pearce could have been more disruptive in the run game, but his improvements over the past season have quelled some concerns. Nevertheless, this remains a potential area for growth as he transitions to the NFL, where the speed of the game and the level of competition will require him to refine his approach even further.
Additionally, while Pearce recorded impressive sack totals, some critics have noted a slight statistical dip in his production from 2023 to 2024. This may raise questions for evaluators who are looking for players who can maintain or even improve their output each season. However, it is important to consider that Pearce faced increased double-team attention in 2024, which could explain the reduction in his sack numbers. Despite this, he still maintained a high level of performance, and his ability to affect the game in various ways—whether through quarterback pressures, tackles for loss, or creating havoc in the pocket—is an encouraging sign of his potential at the next level.
NFL Draft Projection:
Pearce’s stock has risen steadily over the past two seasons, and he is now widely considered one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of size, athleticism, and pass-rush ability has made him a potential first-round selection, with some experts projecting him as high as the 8th overall pick. Currently, his consensus pick sits at 9th overall, with the New Orleans Saints being the most likely team to select him, according to various mock drafts.
The versatility Pearce brings to the table as a pass rusher and his ability to impact both the passing and running game make him a highly valuable asset for any NFL defense. As teams continue to prioritize elite edge rushers who can disrupt quarterbacks and change the course of games, Pearce’s blend of raw talent and development over the past three seasons should make him one of the most coveted players in the upcoming draft.
With his potential for immediate impact at the NFL level, James Pearce looks poised to follow in the footsteps of other top-tier pass rushers and solidify himself as one of the standout rookies in 2025. His journey from a promising freshman to an SEC powerhouse and first-round draft prospect is a testament to his dedication, skill, and work ethic, and it’s clear that Pearce has only scratched the surface of his full potential.
