James Pearce Jr. DE/EDGE Tennessee | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
James Pearce Jr. DE/EDGE Tennessee
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| SUB-POSITION: EDGE RUSHER | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 05/20/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.49 seconds (99%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| SUB-POSITION: EDGE RUSHER | |
| Last Updated: 05/20/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.49 seconds (99%*) | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 92.8 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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81% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Tackling: |
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75% |
| Pass Rush: |
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100% |
| Run Defense: |
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79% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
1st - Top 5
Overall Rank:
#1
Position rank:
#1
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| College Games: 19 College Snaps: 523 | ||
ESPN RATING: 79/100
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247 RATING: 9300/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.9 (97%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Chop Robinson - Penn State |
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78% |
| Kayvon Thibodeaux - Oregon |
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76% |
| David Ojabo - Michigan |
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74% |
Draft Profile: Bio
James Pearce Jr. hails from Charlotte, North Carolina, where he attended Julius L. Chambers High School. Despite initially being a three-star recruit, Pearce rapidly climbed the rankings due to his outstanding performances, culminating in a four-star rating by 247Sports. After a recruitment journey that saw him field offers from top programs like Oklahoma, Georgia, and Florida, Pearce chose to play for the Tennessee Volunteers.
In his freshman year (2022), Pearce primarily contributed on special teams and as a rotational player, appearing in six games and logging three tackles and two sacks. His breakout sophomore season (2023) saw him become one of the premier pass rushers in college football. Pearce recorded 28 tackles, 10 sacks, 16 quarterback hurries, and two forced fumbles, earning him First-Team All-SEC honors and establishing himself as a top prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Pearce's sophomore year statistics highlight his dominance: 28 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and 52 quarterback pressures. His performance in key games, such as the Citrus Bowl against Iowa, where he scored a pick-six and forced a fumble, demonstrated his game-changing abilities. As he enters his junior year, Pearce is widely regarded as a potential No. 1 overall draft pick due to his elite athleticism and pass-rushing skills.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Quick off the line with fluid athleticism and flexibility to bend the edge.
- Displays NFL-caliber spin move and a relentless motor.
- Outstanding in backside pursuit, often tracking down plays from behind.
- Strong leverage at the point of attack, capable of moving linemen with ease.
- Consistently disrupts passing lanes and forces fumbles.
- Fast in a straight line, with elite closing speed and finishing ability in the backfield.
- Versatile, playing both standing rusher and three-point stance effectively.
- Highly disruptive with a knack for making game-changing plays in crucial moments.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Hand use is inconsistent and lacks violence at times.
- Struggles with take-on skills, making it difficult to drop anchor and set the edge.
- Lacks the ability to move through traffic effectively in pursuit.
- Relatively raw, needing to develop more pass-rush moves and counters.
- Needs to improve strength as a run defender to become a more complete player.
Scouting Report: Summary
James Pearce Jr. is a highly talented edge rusher with the potential to be a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. His blend of speed, athleticism, and pass-rushing prowess makes him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Pearce's ability to disrupt the backfield and force turnovers sets him apart as one of the best defensive players in college football.
Despite his impressive skill set, Pearce has areas that require improvement. His hand technique and run defense need further development to ensure he can handle the demands of the NFL. If he can refine these aspects of his game, Pearce has the potential to be an elite defensive player at the next level.
As he heads into his junior season, all eyes will be on Pearce to see if he can continue his upward trajectory. With his work ethic and natural abilities, there's a strong chance he could hear his name called very early in the 2025 NFL Draft, potentially as the first overall pick.
Written By:
Wyatt Brooks (SEC)
How other scouting services rate James Pearce Jr. (Overall Rank)
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.