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

James Pearce, the standout defensive lineman from the University of Tennessee, has become one of the most intriguing prospects in college football heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite playing in a deep class of defensive talent, Pearce’s name continues to pop up in the late first-round discussions in most mock drafts, a testament to his immense talent, raw potential, and versatility as a defensive force. Although some might have expected his stock to fluctuate over the course of the season, Pearce has consistently remained a top choice for NFL teams looking to bolster their defensive line.

In this article, we will explore why James Pearce is still being selected in the late first round of mock drafts, taking a closer look at his college career, what scouts are seeing in him, and why NFL teams are likely to see him as a potential cornerstone for their defensive units in the near future.

A Brief Overview of James Pearce’s College Career

James Pearce’s journey to becoming a top-tier NFL prospect wasn’t one that began with instant hype. After spending his early years at Tennessee honing his skills and adjusting to the competition, Pearce gradually began to emerge as one of the most formidable pass rushers in the SEC. His rise has been marked by both flashes of brilliance and moments where his potential was evident but not fully realized. However, what has remained constant throughout his college career is his ability to impact the game, especially in terms of pressuring quarterbacks and disrupting offensive plays.

Pearce arrived at Tennessee with high expectations as a recruit, and he has shown flashes of why many considered him to be a future NFL player. Early in his career, Pearce made a name for himself as a versatile defensive lineman who could play multiple positions, from defensive end to defensive tackle. This versatility would become a key selling point for NFL scouts, as Pearce’s ability to thrive in different schemes makes him a highly desirable prospect.

Over the course of his tenure with the Volunteers, Pearce developed into an elite pass rusher with a rare combination of size, strength, and speed. His explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and ability to get around offensive tackles made him a constant threat in the SEC, and it wasn’t long before NFL teams started to take notice.

The Skill Set That Keeps Pearce in the Late First-Round Conversation

Pearce’s draft stock has remained high, primarily because of his dynamic skill set and the potential he brings to an NFL defense. As teams focus on improving their pass rush and overall defensive line depth, Pearce’s attributes make him a coveted prospect for a variety of teams. Here are a few reasons why Pearce is so highly regarded in mock drafts:

1. Elite Physical Attributes

At 6’4” and weighing around 275 pounds, Pearce has the ideal frame for a modern-day defensive lineman. His combination of size, length, and athleticism is something that cannot be taught and is one of the primary reasons why NFL scouts have him pegged as a potential first-round pick.

Pearce’s quickness off the ball and his ability to change direction make him a constant nightmare for offensive linemen. His speed allows him to close in on quarterbacks quickly, while his strength allows him to overpower blockers. His physical attributes make him a versatile player who could excel both as a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 outside linebacker, depending on the scheme a team employs.

2. Pass-Rushing Ability

Pearce’s ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks is what has made him such an enticing prospect. In a league that increasingly values elite pass rushers, Pearce’s ability to disrupt the pocket and affect the quarterback’s timing is a major plus.

Over his college career, Pearce consistently posted impressive sack numbers. His burst off the line of scrimmage, coupled with his hand technique, allows him to disengage from blockers and close in on quarterbacks quickly. In an NFL where the need for pass rushers is at a premium, Pearce’s potential to develop into a top-tier edge rusher is one of the most attractive elements of his game.

Even when he isn’t registering sacks, Pearce’s ability to apply constant pressure forces quarterbacks to make quick decisions, disrupting offensive schemes. His influence on the game is often felt beyond his statistics, as his ability to collapse the pocket or flush quarterbacks out of the pocket can lead to game-changing plays.

3. Versatility and Scheme Fit

One of Pearce’s greatest strengths is his versatility. He has the ability to play in multiple defensive schemes, which gives him tremendous value in the eyes of NFL teams. Whether it’s as a stand-up outside linebacker in a 3-4 system or as a 4-3 defensive end, Pearce has the flexibility to fit into various defensive fronts.

At Tennessee, Pearce was often deployed in different roles to exploit matchups, and his ability to succeed in various positions only increased his appeal to NFL scouts. His versatility means he could fit into a variety of defensive systems, from traditional 4-3 schemes to more hybrid 3-4 systems, making him a desirable prospect for teams with diverse defensive schemes.

4. Run Defense and Strength at the Point of Attack

While Pearce is often lauded for his pass-rushing ability, he is also effective against the run. His physical strength allows him to hold his ground at the line of scrimmage, and his ability to disengage from blockers and make tackles in the backfield is a critical component of his skill set.

In the NFL, being a one-dimensional pass rusher is often seen as a limitation, but Pearce’s ability to play the run ensures that he is a more complete prospect. His ability to defend the run while also providing a consistent pass rush makes him an attractive option for teams looking to improve both aspects of their defensive line.

5. High Football IQ and Coachability

Pearce’s development as a player has been marked by his steady improvement year after year. Scouts have noted his work ethic, football intelligence, and coachability. Pearce has shown an ability to adapt to different schemes and has continuously refined his technique to become more effective at the collegiate level.

NFL teams value players who have the ability to learn and grow, and Pearce’s willingness to take on coaching and develop his game further only enhances his draft stock. His football IQ, coupled with his physical abilities, makes him a high-floor prospect who should be able to transition smoothly to the next level.

The Late First-Round Selection: Why Pearce is Still in the Mix

Despite being part of a loaded defensive draft class, Pearce remains a fixture in the late first-round discussions. This speaks to the high regard in which he is held by scouts and teams looking to strengthen their defensive front.

1. The NFL’s Need for Pass Rushers

In today’s NFL, where offenses are designed to move quickly and put up big numbers, teams are increasingly prioritizing pass rushers who can disrupt the quarterback’s timing and force turnovers. Pearce’s ability to consistently put pressure on quarterbacks, whether it results in sacks or hurried throws, makes him an invaluable asset. Teams know that the best way to neutralize an elite quarterback is by getting in their face, and Pearce has the potential to be one of the players who can do that at a high level.

The late first round has become a sweet spot for teams looking to add high-caliber talent to their defense, and Pearce’s skill set aligns perfectly with the current demand for pass rushers.

2. The Depth of Defensive Talent in the Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft is expected to be one of the deepest in recent memory in terms of defensive prospects. With numerous elite edge rushers, defensive tackles, and linebackers, Pearce’s continued placement in the late first round speaks to his consistency and ability to stand out even in such a stacked class.

Despite the presence of high-profile defensive prospects like other pass rushers and defensive linemen, Pearce’s combination of size, strength, and versatility still makes him one of the most intriguing players in the late first round. Teams are looking for players who can contribute immediately, and Pearce’s ability to make an impact as a rookie makes him a safe bet in the late first round.

3. The Fit with Multiple Teams

Another reason Pearce remains in the late first round of many mock drafts is his fit with a variety of teams. Whether it’s a team in need of a pass-rusher, a team looking to bolster their defensive front, or a franchise that runs a hybrid defense, Pearce’s versatility makes him a valuable option for multiple teams. Teams like the Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints, or even the Los Angeles Chargers could be interested in Pearce, given their respective needs for a versatile defensive lineman.