After the 2023 season, many experts ranked James Pearce Jr. as one of the top few players in the 2025 draft class. The Tennessee EDGE defender led the SEC in sacks in his sophomore season. While his stock has dropped slightly, Pearce is still considered to be a valuable prospect. Pearce may be one of the most controversial prospects in this year’s draft.
Overview, Film Analysis, and 2025 Scouting Report of Tennessee EDGE Defender James Pearce Jr.
Measurables
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 243 lbs
Player Background
James Pearce Jr. grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has previously mentioned the tremendous support he’s received from his parents and how crucial they have been to his success. Pearce attended Julius L. Chambers High School in Charlotte. He drew attention from college scouts around the country when he recorded 14.5 sacks in his senior year of high school. He became a four-star prospect, ranking as the 173rd-best prospect in the nation, according to 247Sports. Programs including Missouri and Arizona State offered Pearce scholarships, but he decided to attend Tennessee.
As a freshman at Tennessee, James Pearce Jr. earned limited playing time. He played in all 13 of Tennessee’s games that season, but he only started in three. Pearce put himself on the map in his sophomore season, leading the SEC with ten sacks and earning first-team All-SEC honors. His production dipped slightly in his junior season. Pearce recorded 7.5 sacks in 2024. At just 21 years old, Pearce is one of the youngest players in this draft class.
Strengths
Pearce’s primary trait is his ability to use speed and explosiveness to beat offensive tackles around the outside. He shows the ability to bend around blockers while maintaining momentum toward the quarterback. Pearce may have more burst than any other EDGE defender in this year’s draft class. Though his first option in the pass rush is typically to work around the outside of the blocker, he is able to cut inside when blockers leave him a lane to do so.
Pearce has more power than expected for his size. He is able to utilize a bull rush against weaker or off-balance offensive tackles. He has a variety of pass-rushing moves in his arsenal, including a quality swim move. Pearce is a decent tackler, though he was not asked to tackle in the open field much at Tennessee.
Weaknesses
Listed at 6’5” and 243 pounds, James Pearce Jr. is significantly undersized for the position. His lack of size shows itself in run defense. Pearce can get washed out in run defense, and he occasionally struggles to hold an edge against outside runs. Against backside runs, Pearce does not consistently show the ability to track down the ball carrier. In the open field, Pearce struggles to break down and make tackles. When blockers are able to get their hands on him, Pearce often struggles to use counter moves to get free. Though he has a decent bull rush at his disposal, he does not use it often.
Potential Team Fits
NFL Projection
James Pearce Jr. is a highly productive and athletic EDGE defender. He has clear weaknesses in run defense and has room to grow in developing pass-rush plans. He projects to make an immediate impact as a situational pass rusher in the NFL, with the potential to become an every-down star. Pearce has seen his draft stock take a hit this season due to a decline in sack production. He grades out as a mid-to-late first-round talent.
Main Photo Credit: The Tennessean, Imagn Images
