CBS Sports analyst’s draft ranking of Tennessee Vols edge rusher James Pearce raises some eyebrows
CBS Sports Analyst’s Draft Ranking of Tennessee Vols Edge Rusher James Pearce Jr. Raises Eyebrows
James Pearce Jr., the standout edge rusher from the Tennessee Volunteers, has been a subject of intense scrutiny and debate among NFL draft analysts. While his on-field performance has been nothing short of impressive, recent draft rankings, particularly from CBS Sports, have sparked discussions about his projected draft position.
A Stellar College Career
Pearce’s journey to prominence began when he declared for the 2025 NFL Draft after two seasons of stellar performance at Tennessee. He earned first-team All-SEC honors in both 2023 and 2024, tallying 10 sacks in 2023 and 7.5 sacks in 2024. His versatility was showcased during the 2023 Citrus Bowl, where he intercepted a pass and returned it 52 yards for a touchdown, demonstrating his ability to impact the game in multiple facets.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) highlighted Pearce’s exceptional pass-rushing skills, noting his 92.4 pass-rush grade in 2024, ranking third among all edge defenders. His 21.3% pressure rate was also among the highest in the country, underscoring his ability to consistently disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
CBS Sports’ Draft Ranking
Despite his impressive college career, CBS Sports’ draft analysts have placed Pearce at the No. 5 spot in their 2025 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings, making him the top-ranked edge rusher. Analyst Ryan Wilson described Pearce as a “juiced-up, twitchy edge rusher” capable of winning with both speed and power. However, Pearce’s ranking between Nos. 11 and 15 in recent mock drafts suggests that some analysts may have reservations about his draft stock.
Contrasting Perspectives
While CBS Sports has recognized Pearce’s talents, other analysts have offered differing views. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah ranked Pearce No. 20 in his Top-50 prospects, praising his explosiveness and versatility. Jeremiah noted that Pearce’s ability to generate pressure from various positions and his strong run defense make him a valuable asset for any team.
Conversely, ESPN’s Matt Miller expressed concerns about Pearce’s lean frame and the slight dip in his production in 2024, suggesting that these factors might impact his draft position. Additionally, off-field issues, including a 2024 arrest for driving with a suspended license and expired tags, have raised questions about his character and could influence teams’ evaluations.
James Pearce Jr.’s draft ranking by CBS Sports has indeed raised eyebrows, given his standout performance at Tennessee. While some analysts have concerns about his frame and off-field issues, others recognize his exceptional talent and potential impact at the next level. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, it will be intriguing to see how Pearce’s draft stock evolves and which team ultimately selects him to bolster their pass-rushing capabilities.
