James Pearce Jr., one of the top-rated NFL Draft-eligible defensive line prospects in this class, announced his entry into the 2025 NFL Draft in style.
Check out this video he posted on Twitter/X:
VFL🧡 pic.twitter.com/052zn6diUn
— JCP (@JamesPearceJr10) January 16, 2025
Well, that is certainly one way to announce your entry into the 2025 NFL Draft.
James Pearce Jr. is one of the most intriguing prospects in his class and at his position. Let’s discuss.
Bears should keep an eye on James Pearce Jr.
University of Tennessee edge defender James Pearce Jr. is entering the 2025 NFL Draft and could be a Chicago Bears draft target if the team enters that weekend with a glaring need at defensive end. And unless the Bears plug that hole via free agency or a trade, doing it on NFL Draft weekend would be an optimal use of the team’s resources.
James Pearce Jr. is a two-time first-team All-SEC performer (2023, 2024) and has been a sack machine in those two seasons. The Volunteers’ top defensive end racked up 10 sacks, 15 tackles-for-loss, 16 quarterback hurries, and a pair of forced fumbles in 2023. He even added a 53-yard interception return touchdown for good measure as a sophomore. A year later, Pearce collected 7.5 sacks, 13 tackles-for-loss, and 10 quarterback hurries. Pearce ended his college career with a five-game spurt in which he collected 6.5 TFLs and 3 sacks. That type of production down the stretch is worth noting.
2025 NFL DRAFT: The Latest Chicago Bears Mock Draft Updates
The University of Tennessee’s website has James Pearce Jr. checking in at 6-5 and 243 pounds. I’ll be curious to see what those numbers look like if (when?) he measures out at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis later this offseason. In the meantime, this is what ESPN NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. has to say about Pearce in his latest big board update:
Tennessee spent the early part of the season rolling its opponents, limiting Pearce to 56 snaps over the team’s first three games. But Pearce — who had 10 sacks in 2023 — saw plenty of action the rest of the way. I see a lot of speed off the edge, and he does a nice job mixing up his pass-rush moves to keep offensive tackles on their heels. Pearce could still add weight to his frame. But even at 243 pounds, he shows the ability to win with power. And when asked to help in run defense, he has the quickness to make plays in lateral pursuit.
Kiper has James Pearce Jr. as the No. 24 overall prospect and the third-rated edge rusher. In other words, Pearce appears to have a safe first-round grade. However, it might be considered a reach to take the talented defensive end with a top-10 pick if he is ranking 24th right now. Then again, these rankings will change between now and when draft weekend rolls around. Heck, the Bears might have an internal grade on Pearce that is higher than Kiper’s. In any case, I am open to the idea of Chicago’s football team addressing its defensive line needs via the NFL Draft. And if it is with James Pearce Jr., then so be it.
Montez Sweat was far better in 2023 than he was in 2024. And while injuries might’ve played a role in his step backward, I feel as if more consistent double teams going his way kept him from reaching his full potential. Perhaps adding a stud defensive end prospect on the other side of the line would help Sweat get back to his game-wrecking ways. At a minimum, it could help bolster the profile of a defensive line that clearly needs work.