James Pearce of Tennessee is still selected in the late first round in mock drafts.

James Pearce of Tennessee Still Selected in the Late First Round in Mock Drafts: A Look at His NFL Draft Prospects

As the calendar rolls into the spring of 2025, anticipation continues to build for the NFL Draft, where college football stars will have their chance to step into the professional spotlight. Among those being closely followed is James Pearce, the standout defensive end from the Tennessee Volunteers. Despite being a relatively new name on the radar of top-tier college football players, Pearce has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), earning widespread recognition as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class.

Though Pearce may not be one of the household names like some of his other peers in college football, he’s been steadily climbing up draft boards, with mock drafts consistently selecting him in the late first round. In fact, many analysts have pointed out that Pearce has the skillset, athleticism, and potential to thrive at the next level, making him a highly sought-after commodity for NFL teams looking to add elite defensive talent.

This article will take an in-depth look at James Pearce’s college career, his impact on the Tennessee Volunteers, his skills as a defensive prospect, and why he continues to be selected in the late first round of mock drafts despite fierce competition in this year’s draft class. We will explore his playing style, what makes him such an intriguing prospect for NFL teams, and the potential landing spots for him come draft day.

James Pearce: A Brief Overview of His College Career at Tennessee

James Pearce was born in Georgia and began his football journey at a young age, quickly establishing himself as a dynamic talent. Pearce’s high school career was marked by his ability to dominate on the field, accumulating impressive statistics and catching the eye of several college recruiters. Ultimately, he committed to play at the University of Tennessee, joining the Volunteers as a highly regarded defensive end prospect. His decision to play for the Volunteers allowed him to showcase his skills in the SEC, one of the most competitive conferences in college football.

In his early years at Tennessee, Pearce demonstrated his abilities as a disruptive force along the defensive line, quickly earning playing time and proving his worth. He was recognized for his explosive first step, quick reflexes, and ability to shed blockers with ease. By his sophomore and junior seasons, Pearce had established himself as one of the top defensive players on the team, consistently making plays in both the run game and as a pass rusher.

While Pearce was still considered a raw prospect early on, his natural talent and growing skillset were undeniable. His athleticism stood out even in the physically demanding SEC, and by his junior season, he had developed into a cornerstone of the Tennessee defense. Tennessee’s coaching staff, led by head coach Josh Heupel, helped further refine Pearce’s technique, teaching him the intricacies of the game and how to become a more polished player at the college level.

Throughout his college career, Pearce showcased his ability to dominate both as a pass rusher and a run stopper. His combination of strength, speed, and technique allowed him to contribute in various defensive schemes and positions, making him a versatile asset. By the time Pearce declared for the NFL Draft, he had compiled impressive career stats, including sacks, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles, which earned him recognition among analysts and scouts as one of the most promising defensive prospects in the country.

Why James Pearce is Being Selected in the Late First Round of Mock Drafts

Despite stiff competition from other top-tier college players, James Pearce continues to garner attention in mock drafts and is consistently selected in the late first round. A closer examination of his athletic profile, physical attributes, and on-field production reveals why Pearce is such a compelling prospect, even in a draft class loaded with top defensive talent.

1. Explosive Athleticism and Physical Attributes

Pearce’s athleticism is perhaps his most striking attribute. At 6’5” and weighing around 270 pounds, Pearce possesses the ideal size and strength for an NFL edge rusher. However, what truly sets him apart is his explosiveness off the line of scrimmage. Pearce’s ability to generate immediate pressure on opposing quarterbacks is a key strength, as he can quickly close the pocket with his speed and burst. This ability to disrupt the passing game makes him an intriguing option for teams that are looking for a reliable pass rusher to bolster their defensive front.

In addition to his explosive athleticism, Pearce has a strong upper body, which allows him to shed blockers with ease. His powerful hands and technique help him disengage from offensive linemen, enabling him to get in the backfield and make plays. This physical prowess, combined with his quickness, makes Pearce a threat on passing downs, and a major asset in a league that values quarterback pressure.

2. Versatility and Impact in Both the Run Game and Passing Game

Another reason Pearce is considered a late-first-round talent is his versatility. Throughout his career at Tennessee, Pearce showcased his ability to impact both the run game and the passing game. While he’s been most lauded for his ability to rush the quarterback, Pearce is also an effective run stopper. His ability to read plays, set the edge, and disengage from blockers allows him to stop running backs in their tracks, making him a valuable asset on all three downs.

Pearce’s versatility also extends to his ability to play in a variety of defensive schemes. Whether it’s a 3-4 or 4-3 defense, Pearce has shown that he can excel in both standing up as an outside linebacker or with his hand in the dirt as a defensive end. This adaptability increases his value to NFL teams, as it gives coaches flexibility in how they use him in their systems. Teams in need of a player who can contribute in multiple ways on defense are sure to take notice of Pearce’s ability to seamlessly transition between different positions.

3. High Ceiling with Room for Development

While Pearce has already proven himself as one of the top defensive players in college football, his development potential is another reason he’s being selected in the late first round. As a player who is still refining his craft, Pearce has significant upside. His physical attributes, combined with his willingness to learn and improve, suggest that he has the potential to become an even more dominant force at the next level.

Many NFL teams will be intrigued by Pearce’s ability to refine his pass-rushing technique, specifically his hand placement and ability to counter against offensive linemen. As Pearce continues to develop his skillset, there is little doubt that his impact on the field will only increase. For teams willing to invest in Pearce’s development, they could be getting a high-reward player who could become a franchise cornerstone for years to come.

Potential Landing Spots for James Pearce in the 2025 NFL Draft

As mock drafts continue to predict Pearce’s selection in the late first round, many teams are emerging as potential landing spots. Given Pearce’s skill set and the areas of need for NFL teams, certain franchises are better positioned to take advantage of his talents. Some of the teams that could realistically target Pearce in the late first round include:

1. Seattle Seahawks (Pick 23)

The Seahawks have a long history of valuing strong defensive play, and they are in need of pass rushers to complement their defensive front. With Pearce’s ability to disrupt the quarterback and make plays in the backfield, he would be an ideal fit for a Seattle defense that emphasizes aggressive pass-rushing and physicality. Pearce’s versatility would allow him to line up in multiple spots, giving the Seahawks flexibility on their defensive line.

2. Detroit Lions (Pick 26)

The Lions have made significant strides in recent seasons but still need help on defense, particularly in the pass rush. Pearce’s ability to generate consistent pressure on quarterbacks would fill a critical need for Detroit, which is looking to continue building a competitive roster. With the Lions’ focus on improving their defense, Pearce would be a natural fit in their plans for future success.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (Pick 27)

The Jaguars have a strong defense and are looking to take the next step as a contender in the AFC South. Pearce’s ability to rush the passer would be an asset for Jacksonville, which has been aggressive in its efforts to bolster its pass rush. Adding a player like Pearce could elevate their defense to new heights, and his ability to disrupt the quarterback would make an immediate impact in their efforts to compete in the postseason.