James Pearce Jr. of Tennessee is selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the most recent NFL mock draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, teams are meticulously evaluating their rosters, scouting potential prospects, and addressing needs to improve their chances of success in the upcoming season. For the Baltimore Ravens, a team that has consistently been in the playoff conversation with a solid defense and dynamic offense, the 2025 draft presents an opportunity to fill crucial gaps and add talent to the roster. One name that has started to emerge in the most recent mock drafts as a potential fit for the Ravens is James Pearce Jr., a standout defensive end from the University of Tennessee.

Pearce, who has been a dominant force on the defensive line for the Volunteers, is seen as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 draft. His combination of size, athleticism, and explosiveness has drawn attention from NFL scouts, and it’s no surprise that the Ravens are reportedly targeting him as a possible pick to bolster their defensive front.

This article explores Pearce’s background, skill set, and how his selection by the Ravens could impact the team’s defense, both in the short and long term.

James Pearce Jr.: A Look at the Prospect

James Pearce Jr. had a standout career at the University of Tennessee, where he quickly became one of the most feared pass rushers in college football. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing in at 270 pounds, Pearce possesses the size and physical tools to dominate in the NFL. His combination of length, strength, and agility allows him to get after the quarterback, but what really sets him apart is his explosiveness off the line of scrimmage. Pearce’s first step and quickness make him a nightmare for offensive linemen, and his ability to bend around the edge allows him to get after quarterbacks in a hurry.

During his time at Tennessee, Pearce displayed consistent improvement each year, earning All-SEC honors and eventually becoming one of the top defensive prospects in the country. His 2024 season, in particular, was one to remember—he recorded 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Pearce’s versatility also stood out, as he was able to line up at both defensive end and outside linebacker, depending on the scheme. This flexibility makes him a perfect fit for the Ravens, who often value players who can perform multiple roles on defense.

Beyond his pass-rushing prowess, Pearce is also a sound run defender. He uses his size and strength to hold his ground against offensive linemen and shed blocks with ease. His ability to defend the run while also generating pressure on the quarterback gives him a balanced skill set that would make him an immediate contributor in the NFL.

Why Pearce is a Good Fit for the Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens have long been known for their stout defense, and they’ve built a reputation for selecting strong, versatile defensive players in the draft. Historically, the Ravens have prioritized building a dominant defense around a core group of players who can stop the run and put pressure on the quarterback. Pearce, with his combination of size, strength, and explosiveness, is exactly the type of player the Ravens covet in their defensive front.

One of the primary needs for the Ravens in the 2025 NFL Draft is a pass rusher to complement their current defensive line. While the team has been solid defensively over the years, the ability to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks has been an area of focus. Baltimore’s defense is built around playmakers like cornerback Marlon Humphrey, safety Kyle Hamilton, and linebacker Roquan Smith, but the team has been looking for a standout pass rusher who can consistently disrupt the quarterback.

In Pearce, the Ravens would be getting a player who can immediately step in and help improve their pass rush. His ability to get after the quarterback from the edge, combined with his strength to collapse the pocket, would give Baltimore a dynamic edge rusher that can complement their existing defensive talent. Pairing Pearce with other pass rushers like Odafe Oweh and Justin Madubuike would make the Ravens’ front seven even more formidable.

Moreover, Pearce’s ability to contribute against the run would allow the Ravens to be more flexible with their defensive schemes. Baltimore’s defense has historically been strong against the run, and Pearce would help maintain that dominance. His physicality and awareness in the run game would allow the Ravens to continue their tradition of being tough against opposing offenses.

The Ravens’ Defense: A Need for a Playmaker

The Ravens’ defense in recent years has been one of the most consistent in the league, but there have been moments where a lack of pass-rushing depth has held the team back in high-pressure situations. While the Ravens have boasted some solid pass rushers, including Oweh, their ability to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks has been inconsistent.

In 2024, the Ravens’ defense ranked 10th in the league in total yards allowed and 7th in points allowed, but they were only 18th in sacks. This is an area where Pearce could make a significant impact. His ability to generate consistent pressure and disrupt the quarterback would immediately improve the Ravens’ sack totals and force opposing offenses into uncomfortable situations. With a strong secondary led by Humphrey, Hamilton, and Marcus Peters, the addition of Pearce to the defensive line could create havoc for opposing quarterbacks, making it harder for them to find open receivers downfield.

The Ravens’ defense is built around multiple layers of playmakers, and Pearce would add another dimension to that unit. His ability to bend around the edge and collapse the pocket would force quarterbacks to make quicker decisions and would also allow the Ravens to generate more turnovers through interceptions and fumble recoveries. Adding Pearce to the mix could elevate the Ravens’ defense from being a solid unit to being one of the most dangerous defenses in the NFL.

A Strong Defensive Line

One of the trademarks of the Ravens’ defense over the years has been a dominant and deep defensive line. Pearce would add another weapon to a line that already includes players like Calais Campbell, Madubuike, and Oweh. This depth would give Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald the flexibility to rotate players in and out of the game, keeping the defensive line fresh throughout the season. A fresh and well-rested defensive line is crucial, especially when facing high-powered offenses that can wear down defenses over the course of a game.

Adding Pearce to the rotation would allow the Ravens to be more dynamic in their pass-rushing schemes. Pearce’s versatility—his ability to rush the passer from both the edge and the interior—would allow Macdonald to use him in various formations and situations. Whether it’s rushing from the outside in a 4-3 scheme or lining up as a defensive tackle in a 3-4 look, Pearce would give the Ravens flexibility in their defensive game plans.

Additionally, Pearce’s size and physicality would allow the Ravens to use him in different roles, depending on the opponent and the situation. For instance, if they’re facing a run-heavy offense, Pearce could be used to clog running lanes and shed blocks to stop the run. If they’re up against a high-octane passing offense, Pearce’s pass-rushing skills could be leveraged to get after the quarterback and disrupt the rhythm of the offense.

The Future of the Ravens’ Defense

The addition of James Pearce Jr. would not only impact the 2025 season but could have lasting ramifications for the future of the Ravens’ defense. Pearce’s youth, athleticism, and potential for development make him an ideal long-term investment for a team that is constantly looking to remain competitive on the defensive side of the ball.

With Pearce on the roster, the Ravens would have a foundational piece in their defensive front for years to come. As Oweh and Madubuike continue to develop, Pearce would provide another young, explosive player to build the defense around. Given the Ravens’ emphasis on building a strong defense, the addition of Pearce would further solidify their reputation as one of the most fearsome defensive units in the NFL.

Additionally, Pearce’s impact would extend beyond just his on-field performance. As a leader on the field, Pearce could serve as a mentor to the younger players on the team. His work ethic, knowledge of the game, and ability to perform under pressure would make him an invaluable asset not just for his talent, but for his leadership in the locker room.