2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Tennessee EDGE James Pearce Jr.

2025 NFL Draft: Tennessee EDGE James Pearce Jr Draft Profile and Scouting Report

James Pearce Jr became a household name in 2023 when he finished his sophomore season with 15 tackles for a loss, which included 10 sacks, along with one interception and two forced fumbles. He entered the 2024 season as one of the top edge rushers in the country. He was able to backup his performance, finishing the season with 38 total tackles, which included 7.5 sacks. Battled through injury in 2024, but was still a major part of Tennessee’s push into the College Football Playoffs.

James Pearce Jr 40 Time

Projected 40 Time: 4.58 seconds

James Pearce Jr is an edge rusher for the University of Tennessee Volunteers. Most of his snaps in 2024 originated from the outside linebacker position, but he’s also spent some time at defensive end. In my opinion, he best projects as an outside linebacker in the NFL. When compared to the league average, James Pearce Jr has the ideal size and weight to play either position. Our projected 40 time of 4.58 seconds is quicker than the average for either position.

On film, James Pearce Jr uses his hands quite well to swat down his opponent’s at the line of scrimmage to create leverage inside. He displays excellent speed off the line of scrimmage while also maintaining a low pad level as he gets into the backfield. Sheds blocks somewhat easily off the edge to attack the ball freely. When dropping into coverage, Pearce Jr has good lateral agility, as well as a smooth backpedal, to guard his zone.

However, I also see some issues on film. I don’t believe that he has good contact balance off the edge, resulting in poor results. Additionally, he shows to have an adequate ability to mirror the running back on short routes outside when in man coverage.