EXCLUSIVE: GM Wowed by Tennessee EDGE, James Pearce at The NFL Scouting Combine

EXCLUSIVE: GM Wowed by Tennessee EDGE, James Pearce at The NFL Scouting Combine

The NFL Scouting Combine is an event that serves as a critical proving ground for the nation’s top football prospects. It’s where future NFL stars put their skills on display in front of scouts, coaches, and general managers who are looking for the next big talent to add to their rosters. While many players rise to the occasion, there’s always one or two who go above and beyond expectations, leaving an indelible mark. For Tennessee EDGE rusher James Pearce, this year’s combine was his moment to shine, and according to multiple NFL general managers in attendance, he delivered a performance that turned heads and left many in awe.

James Pearce, who has been one of the standout defensive players for the Tennessee Volunteers over the last few seasons, came to Indianapolis with the kind of confidence and determination that many athletes dream of. After years of solid performances and watching his stock rise through the college football ranks, Pearce entered the combine as a highly regarded prospect. However, it wasn’t just his numbers that had NFL scouts buzzing—it was his sheer presence and athleticism that immediately impressed everyone in the room.

An exclusive look at his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine reveals that Pearce’s explosive combination of speed, power, and technical prowess left general managers (GMs) and scouts scrambling to get a better look at the Tennessee EDGE. In a draft class full of impressive athletes, Pearce’s showing helped cement his place as one of the most intriguing prospects heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Early Hype: Pearce’s Combine Preparations

For Pearce, the journey to the NFL Scouting Combine began long before he stepped foot in Indianapolis. The 6’5”, 260-pound EDGE rusher from Tennessee had made a name for himself over the past few seasons with the Volunteers, emerging as one of the top pass rushers in the SEC. With his combination of size, strength, and speed, Pearce was a terror off the edge for opposing quarterbacks, tallying numerous sacks and tackles for loss during his time in Knoxville.

Despite his on-field success, Pearce knew that the combine would be his chance to show NFL teams that he could perform under the bright lights and make the leap from college standout to professional prospect. For months leading up to the combine, Pearce worked with elite trainers to fine-tune every aspect of his game, focusing on his explosiveness off the line, his technique, and his agility. Pearce understood the significance of the combine and knew that the opportunity to impress would be fleeting.

“I’ve been working toward this moment my whole life,” Pearce said before the combine. “Everything I’ve done since I started playing football has been leading up to this. I want to show NFL teams who I am as a player, and I want them to see what I can bring to their defense.”

Pearce’s work ethic and commitment to his craft were evident as he entered the combine. His focus on his physical conditioning was complemented by his mental preparation. In interviews with scouts and coaches, Pearce expressed his determination to prove that he was ready for the challenge of the NFL, emphasizing his readiness to contribute immediately to any team that gave him an opportunity.

The Combine: A Jaw-Dropping Performance

When James Pearce took the field at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, it was clear from the outset that he was ready for the spotlight. Pearce’s first event was the 40-yard dash, a crucial test of speed for any EDGE rusher looking to make a mark at the next level. Pearce’s official time of 4.57 seconds shocked many scouts, as the Tennessee product’s combination of size and speed is rarely seen in such an explosive package. While most players in his position would be content with a time in the mid-4.6-second range, Pearce’s 4.57-second time underscored his elite athleticism.

That time was just the beginning. Pearce followed up with a performance in the vertical jump that had scouts buzzing. His leap of 38 inches was not only one of the best in his position group but also showcased his ability to explode off the ground—an essential trait for any pass rusher looking to engage with offensive linemen and challenge quarterbacks at the next level.

“I’ve always prided myself on my explosiveness,” Pearce explained. “The vertical jump is a way for me to show that I can get off the ground quickly, and that’s important for me as a pass rusher. I want to be able to attack the quarterback in a way that disrupts the pocket.”

Pearce’s performance in the bench press also left a lasting impression. With 27 reps of 225 pounds, Pearce demonstrated the strength necessary to overpower blockers and disengage from would-be blockers when rushing the passer. His combination of explosiveness, strength, and athleticism made him one of the most well-rounded players at the combine, and the results had many general managers and scouts reevaluating his potential as a first-round pick.

“I’m impressed,” said one GM who was in attendance. “Pearce’s combination of speed, strength, and explosiveness is rare for an EDGE player. He has the physical tools to be an impact player in the NFL, and I’m eager to see how he progresses after this combine performance.”

Perhaps most telling, however, was Pearce’s ability to show off his technique during the position drills. Many players who excel in testing events often struggle when it comes to demonstrating the technical aspects of their position, but Pearce passed with flying colors. His ability to bend around the edge, his hand usage, and his pass-rush moves were on full display during the position drills, earning praise from coaches and scouts who typically scrutinize every detail.

“His hands are so quick,” noted another NFL scout. “He has the ability to disengage from blockers with ease, and his pass-rush moves are polished. He’s a versatile rusher, and that’s something that will make him stand out at the next level.”

The GM’s Perspective: What They’re Saying About Pearce

The general consensus among NFL GMs and scouts at the combine is that Pearce has the potential to be an elite EDGE rusher at the next level. His performance during the combine certainly caught their attention, but it’s his overall body of work at Tennessee that continues to fuel the hype surrounding him.

“Pearce is one of those guys that has a ton of upside,” one NFL GM said. “He has everything you want physically, and his technique is already pretty advanced for a college player. With the right coaching at the next level, there’s no reason why he can’t become a double-digit sack guy in the NFL.”

Another GM praised Pearce’s motor and work ethic, two key attributes that teams look for when evaluating defensive players. “He plays with a relentless motor. You never see him take a play off. That’s the kind of player you want in your locker room. He’s going to do whatever it takes to succeed.”

For Pearce, these compliments aren’t just affirmations of his abilities—they’re validation of the hard work he’s put in to get to this point. “I’ve always believed that if I just work as hard as I can, everything else will fall into place,” Pearce said after his combine performance. “But I know that this is just the beginning. I have so much more to prove, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.”

Looking Ahead: Pearce’s NFL Future

After his incredible showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, James Pearce has solidified his status as one of the top EDGE rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft class. But while the combine was a major milestone, Pearce is focused on continuing his development as a player and preparing for the next phase of his career.

Pearce’s future in the NFL looks incredibly bright, with his combination of size, athleticism, and technique making him an appealing prospect for teams looking to bolster their pass rush. As a versatile player capable of lining up at multiple positions along the defensive line, Pearce has the potential to contribute immediately as a rotational pass rusher or even earn a starting role early in his career.

Many scouts and GMs see Pearce as a player who can develop into a dominant force on the defensive side of the ball. His work ethic, leadership qualities, and football IQ all point to a player who will have a successful career at the next level.

For Pearce, the dream of playing in the NFL is within reach, but he knows that there’s still work to be done. “I’ve always said that I want to be the best,” Pearce said. “This combine was just one step, but I have a lot more to prove. I’m ready to take on the challenge.”