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: 07/24/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.49 seconds (99%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| SUB-POSITION: EDGE RUSHER | |
| Last Updated: 07/24/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.49 seconds (99%*) | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 91.6 / 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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74% |
| Pass Rush: |
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100% |
| Run Defense: |
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78% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
1st - Top 5
Overall Rank:
#2
Position rank:
#1
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| College Games: 19 College Snaps: 523 | ||
ESPN RATING: 79/100
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247 RATING: 9120/100
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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
- Explosive first step and elite burst off the line, creating immediate angle advantages against offensive tackles
- Exceptional bend and ankle flexion, allowing him to turn tight corners and maintain speed while rushing the passer
- Fluid lateral movement skills enable him to counter over-setting blockers and adjust his rush path mid-rep
- Leverages his length effectively, using long-arm techniques and inside swim moves to penetrate the backfield
- Displays a diverse pass-rush repertoire, including double swipes, cross-chops, and push-pull moves
- Impressive closing speed in pursuit, routinely chasing down plays from the backside
- Exhibits good instincts for timing the snap, generating immediate pressure on passing downs
- Flashes the ability to drop into coverage and patrol the flats when asked
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Undersized for the position at 242 pounds, which can limit his ability to set the edge consistently in the run game
- Play strength needs improvement, as he can struggle to maintain leverage against more powerful offensive linemen
- Can be engulfed by wider blockers on counter moves due to his lean frame
- Lacks the lower body strength to consistently convert speed to power on bull rushes
- Balance through contact is inconsistent, especially when attempting to sustain power rushes
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.