Before the 2024 season, Pearce was viewed as the top player in the class, but a less-than-stellar campaign left many underwhelmed. A lackluster pass rush room outside of Pearce allowed teams to scheme towards him and limit his impact on games. Still, Pearce finished with 7.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 38 total tackles for the Vols in 2024.
Player Profile: James Pearce Jr. | EDGE | Tennessee
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 245
40-Yard Dash: 4.47
Style: Speed
Class: Junior
Awards:
2023 First-Team All-SEC
2024 First-Team All-SEC
Strengths:
Exceptional athlete; led all DL/EDGE with a 4.47s 40-yard dash that included a 1.56s 10-yard split.
Can force opposing OL off their base easily.
Explosive first step that causes opposing tackles to overcompensate for his speed; allowing him to come across their face.
Emphasizes a speed-to-power ability.
High IQ player; senses when there is a screen pass and understands the angle to take.
Quick and powerful hand-strikes.
Main pass rush move is a rip through but mixes in an inside spin.
Weaknesses:
Contain needs work; opens lanes that dual-threat QBs can escape through.
Has to learn to use power more when his speed isn’t working.
Needs to add size to his frame to be a better run defender.
Slower sheds lead to Pearce being a tad late at times.
Summary:
Despite a lower production in 2024, Pearce will be an impact player in the NFL. In a class with unlimited talent off the edge, Pearce has the athleticism and skill-set to be the best one. Currently, his frame suits him best as a 3-4 outside linebacker, but tape shows he can be effective as a 4-3 defensive end. The history of production bodes well for his future in the NFL, and any respectable defensive line (or outside linebacker) coach can get elite production out of Pearce.
NFL Player Comparison: San Francisco 49ers EDGE Leonard Floyd
Draft Grade: Mid First-Round
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