FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.
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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: James Pearce Jr.
James Pearce Jr. (DE – Tennessee)
6-foot-5 | 243 Pounds
Background
A four-star recruit out of North Carolina, James Pearce Jr. appeared in a reserve capacity as a true freshman, rotating in heavily (462 snaps) but being credited with just three starts the following year, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). Nonetheless, finished with 28-15.0-10.0 and a pick-six. Has been a little bit less lucky this year in terms of converting hurries to sacks, but still put together a solid line of 38-13.0-7.5.
Positives
Has been highly productive over the past two years for a major program. Pearce is a tall, lanky player with the frame to handle additional bulk. Lines up on both sides of the line, usually in a four- or two-point stance. High-intensity player who brings it on a snap-to-snap basis. Fires out low with an explosive first step, playing with a good knee-bend to compete in the leverage battle. Very active with his hands to sift through traffic, showing good extension and using his length to keep opponents away from his frame.
Pearce has a bit more sand in his pants than anticipated. His frame is somewhat small but he doesn’t play like a thin lineman. Is an effective two-gap defender who plays with pretty good gap discipline, gets separation and shows good awareness to locate. Flows laterally with his shoulders square. Length gives him an impressive tackling radius and he shows some ability to make tackles while engaged.
Has a diverse repertoire of rush moves, mixing speed and power elements effectively. Knows how to set up linemen with stutter steps when working around the edge, often to work a rip move around the edge. Bends a nice arc back to the passer, with a low shoulder dip. Has nice contact balance when working around the edge. More committed to power-based approaches than anticipated, with some power in his hands, a solid pad level and active feet. Has pretty extensive experience dropping into coverage. Good awareness to chip backs releasing into the flats.
Negatives
On the thin side for an EDGE, so Pearce will likely be asked to add a bit of bulk at the next level. Snap counts have varied significantly from game to game. Some minor balance issues when he plays too far in front of his feet.
Does work the bull rush relatively often, but may have trouble walking back many pro offensive tackles without adding strength. Not quite elite in terms of his closing burst; has had some trouble converting pressures into sacks this year. Doesn’t seem to have a great natural feel when dropping into zone coverage.
Summary
A very impressive EDGE defender who has an excellent combination of length, intensity, first-step explosiveness, power and toughness. Pearce’s listed size is a little bit misleading, as he was frequently asked to two gap in the run game and bull rushes on a relatively high percentage of passing downs. He isn’t primarily a finesse player.
Pearce will likely be asked to get up to around 250 pounds in the NFL. From a technical standpoint, looks like he should be able to step in and make an impact early. Likely to be one of the first defenders off the board.
Projection: Round 1
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