James Pearce, a Tennessee edge, was named a huge winner at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the most important events on the NFL draft calendar, offering an exclusive platform for prospective players to showcase their athleticism, skills, and potential to NFL teams. For athletes looking to make an impression, the combine provides an opportunity to test their physical attributes, improve their draft stock, and make a lasting impression on NFL scouts and coaches.

In the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, one name stood out among a sea of talent: James Pearce, the dynamic edge rusher from the University of Tennessee. Pearce, who had a standout career with the Tennessee Volunteers, proved himself to be one of the biggest winners of the combine, impressing scouts with his remarkable performance in multiple drills. Pearce’s performance at the combine not only solidified his place as one of the top edge prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft but also catapulted him to national recognition as a rising star.

Pearce’s Journey to the NFL Scouting Combine

James Pearce’s rise to becoming one of the premier edge rushers in college football was anything but typical. While he wasn’t initially regarded as a top recruit, Pearce made a name for himself at Tennessee through his relentless work ethic, raw athleticism, and consistent production on the field. His journey to the combine began in high school, where he played in a relatively less competitive league, which led many major programs to overlook him. However, Pearce’s undeniable talent shone through during his time at Tennessee, where he quickly emerged as a force on the defensive line.

As an edge rusher for the Volunteers, Pearce demonstrated a versatile skill set that allowed him to dominate both in the pass rush and against the run. Over the course of his college career, he developed a reputation as a high-energy player with explosive speed and a relentless pursuit of the quarterback. Pearce’s ability to close the gap between him and the quarterback was unmatched, and he recorded several highlight-reel sacks, which made him an enticing prospect for NFL scouts.

By the time the 2025 NFL Draft season rolled around, Pearce was widely regarded as one of the top edge rushers available, a player who could provide immediate impact at the next level. His dominant performances during the regular season ensured he was on the radar of NFL scouts, but the combine would offer him an even bigger opportunity to cement his status as a top-tier prospect.

Pearce’s Performance at the NFL Scouting Combine

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Pearce arrived with the intent to prove that his impressive college career was no fluke. While the combine isn’t the only factor in determining a player’s draft status, it’s often a critical part of the evaluation process. The drills test a player’s speed, strength, agility, and overall athleticism — key attributes for any player hoping to transition to the NFL. For Pearce, the combine presented the perfect opportunity to display his physical prowess, and he didn’t disappoint.

1. 40-Yard Dash: Speed and Agility

One of the most anticipated drills for any edge rusher is the 40-yard dash, which tests a player’s straight-line speed. The ability to explode off the line and close the distance between a quarterback and the pass rusher is essential for an edge defender, and Pearce showcased his incredible burst with an impressive 40-yard dash time.

Pearce ran a sub-4.6-second 40-yard dash, a time that was faster than many other highly regarded edge rushers. His quickness in the 40-yard dash demonstrated not only his speed but also his ability to close ground in a hurry, something that will make him an effective pass rusher at the next level. The combination of speed and explosiveness he displayed was exactly what NFL scouts were hoping to see, and it significantly raised his profile.

2. Bench Press: Strength and Power

The bench press drill is another important test at the combine, as it highlights a player’s upper body strength, which is crucial for edge rushers who need to shed blockers and engage with offensive linemen. Pearce, known for his physicality, showed off his strength by recording 23 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press. This performance was impressive, particularly given the number of reps typically expected from players at his position.

While Pearce isn’t necessarily the biggest or most physically imposing player in terms of his frame, his ability to generate power and hold up against the strength of offensive linemen was clear during the bench press. The fact that he could perform this well in an event that tests raw strength spoke to his conditioning and ability to handle the physicality of the NFL.

3. 3-Cone Drill: Agility and Change of Direction

For an edge rusher, being able to bend around offensive linemen, quickly change direction, and adjust on the fly is critical. The 3-cone drill tests a player’s agility and ability to change direction at high speed, and Pearce excelled in this drill. His fluidity and change-of-direction ability were apparent as he quickly weaved through the cones with minimal effort.

Pearce’s performance in the 3-cone drill showed that, in addition to his speed and explosiveness, he has the lateral quickness and agility necessary to rush the passer in a variety of ways. This skill set is particularly valuable for edge rushers who rely on their ability to sidestep blockers and take different routes to the quarterback.

4. Vertical Jump and Broad Jump: Explosiveness

Vertical and broad jumps are key measures of a player’s lower body explosiveness, which is vital for both pass rushing and defending the run. Pearce showcased his impressive leaping ability, registering a 37-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-4 broad jump. These measurements are well above average for an edge rusher, underscoring Pearce’s explosive lower-body strength and his ability to create leverage in a variety of situations.

The explosive power he demonstrated in the jumping drills translated well to his ability to create havoc on the line of scrimmage, both as a pass rusher and in run defense. His vertical jump also gives him an advantage when attempting to contest passes, something that adds even more value to his skill set as a potential NFL edge rusher.

5. Position Drills: Technique and Football IQ

The position drills at the combine are where players can demonstrate their skills in a more football-specific context. Pearce impressed scouts with his technique, showing a quick first step, excellent hand placement, and the ability to disengage from blockers. Throughout the drills, Pearce showcased his understanding of how to attack offensive linemen, using his leverage and speed to gain the upper hand in each rep.

His ability to demonstrate the techniques that he’s refined over his college career was another testament to his readiness for the NFL. Pearce’s agility and versatility as an edge rusher were on full display, giving scouts confidence that he can transition to the next level and compete right away.

Pearce’s Combine Performance: Why It Was So Impressive

James Pearce’s performance at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine stood out for several reasons. First and foremost, his ability to showcase a complete skill set—combining speed, strength, agility, and explosiveness—made him a well-rounded prospect who could make an immediate impact in the NFL. His combine performance was not just a series of impressive numbers; it highlighted Pearce’s potential to be a dominant edge rusher who can win in multiple ways.

Furthermore, Pearce’s consistency across all of the drills indicated that he is not just a one-dimensional player. His versatility and ability to perform well in a variety of tests made him one of the most well-rounded edge rushers in the 2025 draft class. In a position where both speed and power are required, Pearce proved that he has both in spades.

The fact that Pearce was able to perform so well at the combine after having a standout college career speaks volumes about his work ethic and commitment to his craft. In an era where players are expected to perform at an elite level in multiple areas, Pearce demonstrated that he possesses the physical tools and mental fortitude to excel at the next level.

What’s Next for James Pearce?

Following his successful performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, James Pearce has cemented his status as one of the top edge rusher prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. With his impressive testing numbers and outstanding college production, Pearce is in a prime position to hear his name called early in the draft.

NFL teams that are looking to bolster their pass-rush unit will be closely monitoring Pearce, and it’s possible that he could go as high as the first or second round, depending on how team needs shake out. His combination of athleticism, technique, and potential will make him an enticing prospect for any team looking to improve their defense.

In the coming weeks, Pearce will continue to meet with NFL teams and undergo further evaluations, but his performance at the combine has certainly elevated his profile. As he heads toward the NFL Draft, James Pearce is firmly on the radar of NFL scouts and could soon find himself playing at the highest level of football.