James Pearce Jr. of the Tennessee Volunteers Places in the Top 15 in the Most Recent NFL Mock Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and with it comes the annual spotlight on college football’s top talent. As the draft’s top prospects begin to distinguish themselves in their respective college seasons, NFL teams are positioning themselves to select the future stars of the league. One name that has garnered significant attention heading into this year’s draft is James Pearce Jr., a standout defensive end for the Tennessee Volunteers. Pearce’s performance on the field has been nothing short of spectacular, and he now finds himself ranked among the top 15 players in the most recent NFL mock drafts.

Known for his combination of size, speed, and skill, Pearce has been a force to be reckoned with in the SEC, which is widely considered the most competitive conference in college football. His ability to disrupt offenses and generate pressure on quarterbacks has not only made him a standout for the Volunteers but has also caught the eyes of NFL scouts across the country. As a result, Pearce is projected to go high in the draft, and it’s clear that his journey to the NFL is well on its way.

A Rising Star: James Pearce Jr.’s Journey to the NFL

James Pearce Jr. has had an impressive career at the University of Tennessee, and his trajectory as a draft prospect is the result of years of hard work, growth, and dedication. Pearce, a former three-star recruit, arrived in Knoxville with something to prove. He had flown under the radar as a recruit, but over the course of his college career, he developed into one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the country.

Pearce’s breakout came during his sophomore season, when he quickly became a key contributor on the Volunteers’ defensive line. He showed flashes of his potential early on, and as his technique and understanding of the game improved, so did his impact. His rise to prominence in the SEC was marked by his relentless motor, his ability to sack quarterbacks, and his knack for disrupting opposing offenses.

The 2024 season was truly a defining year for Pearce, as he emerged as one of the premier defensive ends in college football. Pearce’s explosiveness off the edge and his ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks earned him recognition as one of the top defensive players in the country. He was consistently disruptive, often forcing quarterbacks to make rushed decisions or throw under duress. Pearce’s impact was evident in Tennessee’s victories, and his ability to change the course of a game with a key sack or a timely forced fumble became a hallmark of his playing style.

As Pearce’s profile continued to rise, he started to attract the attention of NFL scouts. His combination of strength, speed, and agility, coupled with his ability to rush the passer and set the edge in the run game, made him a versatile and highly sought-after prospect. By the end of the 2024 season, Pearce had solidified his place among the top draft prospects in the country, and his stock only continued to climb as the draft approached.

Why James Pearce Jr. Is Projected to Go in the Top 15

James Pearce Jr. has all the traits that NFL teams covet in a pass rusher. His ability to get after the quarterback and impact the game in critical situations makes him a game-changer. Pearce’s skill set is one of the reasons he is consistently ranked among the top players in the 2025 NFL Draft, with some mock drafts projecting him to be selected within the first 15 picks.

Elite Pass Rushing Skills

One of Pearce’s most notable strengths is his ability to get to the quarterback. In today’s NFL, having a dynamic pass rusher is a game-changer, and Pearce fits that mold perfectly. His burst off the line of scrimmage is explosive, allowing him to gain an immediate advantage over offensive tackles. Pearce’s quickness and agility, combined with his powerful frame, enable him to beat blockers and make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.

In 2024, Pearce tallied several sacks and quarterback pressures, showcasing his ability to consistently generate pressure on the pocket. His hand placement and pass-rushing techniques have evolved significantly over the course of his college career, and he has become a master at using his physicality to his advantage. Whether it’s through power moves or finesse techniques, Pearce has the tools to be a difference-maker in the NFL, and his pass-rushing ability is one of the key reasons he is regarded as one of the top prospects in the draft.

Versatility and Run Defense

While Pearce is primarily known for his ability to rush the passer, he is also a well-rounded defensive end who excels in run defense. In the NFL, teams value players who can contribute in all phases of the game, and Pearce’s ability to hold the edge against the run adds another dimension to his game. He has the strength and awareness to shed blockers and make plays in the backfield, whether it’s by stuffing running backs or setting the edge to force plays back inside.

This versatility makes Pearce an appealing prospect for NFL teams, who prefer defensive linemen that can contribute in multiple facets of the game. By showing his prowess against the run, Pearce has proven that he is more than just a one-dimensional pass rusher; he is a complete player capable of contributing to a defense in a variety of ways.

Work Ethic and Leadership

Another aspect of Pearce’s game that has stood out to scouts is his work ethic and leadership on and off the field. Pearce is known for his relentless pursuit of excellence and his commitment to getting better each day. He is constantly refining his technique and looking for ways to improve his game. This type of mindset has earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches alike, and it has helped him develop into one of the most consistent and reliable players on the Volunteers’ defense.

Pearce’s leadership extends beyond his on-field performance. He is known as a vocal leader in the locker room, helping to motivate his teammates and set a high standard for work ethic and preparation. His ability to inspire others and be a positive influence on his team is an attribute that NFL teams highly value, as it speaks to his character and potential to be a leader at the next level.

Physical Tools

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing around 270 pounds, Pearce possesses an ideal build for a defensive end in the NFL. His size, combined with his athleticism, allows him to overpower blockers and explode off the line of scrimmage. Pearce has the speed to get around tackles and the power to bull rush through them. His physical tools give him a significant advantage over most of his competition, and his ability to bend the edge and corner around blockers makes him a nightmare for quarterbacks.

In addition to his strength and size, Pearce is also incredibly agile. He has quick feet and can change directions smoothly, which is a crucial trait for a pass rusher. Pearce’s blend of size, speed, and agility is rare, and it makes him one of the most dangerous defensive prospects in the draft.

NFL Teams That Could Target James Pearce Jr.

Given his skill set and potential, James Pearce Jr. is likely to be a highly coveted player in the 2025 NFL Draft. There are several NFL teams that could benefit from adding Pearce to their roster, especially those in need of a pass rusher or defensive playmaker. Teams such as the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Green Bay Packers — all of whom are looking to improve their defensive lines — could be among the organizations targeting Pearce.

The Detroit Lions, for example, have a solid offense but have struggled with consistency on defense. Pearce’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses and create pressure on the quarterback would be a welcome addition to the Lions’ defense. Similarly, the Philadelphia Eagles, who are always in search of impactful defenders, could benefit from Pearce’s pass-rushing ability and versatility in both the run and passing game. The Green Bay Packers, looking to solidify their defense and provide more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, would also be an ideal landing spot for Pearce.