After three seasons at Tennessee, edge rusher James Pearce Jr. introduced on Wednesday that he’s leaving college early to enter the 2025 NFL Draft.
Listed at 6-foot-5 and 243 kilos, many anticipate Pearce to be one of many first edge rushers taken off the board throughout this yr’s NFL Draft in a number of months.
In 13 video games with the Volunteers this previous season, he accrued a complete of 55 pressures, 38 tackles, 7.5 sacks and one pressured fumble.
In comparison with the remainder of the defenders throughout the nation in the course of the 2024 season, Pearce ranked thirteenth in whole pressures, sixth in pass-rushing win share and second in whole hurries.
His finest efficiency of the 2024 marketing campaign occurred throughout Tennessee’s massive win over Alabama on Oct. 19. In that matchup, Pearce made a big impact as he racked up a complete of 10 pressures and 1.5 sacks.
With Pearce’s assist, the Volunteers had been capable of end their common season with a 10-2 file and qualify for one of many 12 spots within the 2024 School Soccer Playoff. Sadly, Tennessee’s goals of successful a nationwide championship had been rapidly crushed when they were defeated within the first spherical by Ohio State.
It is going to be attention-grabbing to see when Pearce is chosen in the course of the 2025 NFL Draft. ESPN currently has him ranked because the eighth-best out there prospect and the fourth-best edge rusher behind Penn State’s Abdul Carter, Georgia’s Mykel Williams, and Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton.
In his most up-to-date mock draft, ESPN’s Jordan Reid has the Cincinnati Bengals choosing Pearce with the 17th overall pick. Reid described the previous Volunteers defender as “a lean, ultra-quick go rusher who can race round blockers with ease.”
In the course of the subsequent few months, Pearce may have the chance to enhance his draft inventory by taking part in occasions just like the 2025 NFL Scouting Mix and Tennessee’s professional day.
If he assessments effectively at these occasions and impresses groups in his interviews, do not be stunned if he in the end finally ends up being one of many first 10 gamers chosen on this yr’s draft.
