What the experts are saying about James Pearce Jr. in the 2025 NFL Draft
Updated: March 29, 2025 8:00am ET
← Back to all 2025 NFL Draft newsBuccaneers NFL Draft Target: Edge James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
Prior to the 2024 season, Pearce Jr. was ranked as the number one player in college football by ESPN. The 6-5, 243-pound edge rusher recorded 38 tackles and 7.5 sacks in his final season, earning First-team All-SEC honors. Over three seasons at Tennessee, he totaled 70 tackles, 19 sacks, and three forced fumbles.
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James Pearce Jr. draft position (28.5)
Four-round 2025 NFL mock draft: Lions stop James Pearce Jr.'s slide
In Chad Reuter's latest mock draft, the Detroit Lions select James Pearce Jr. with the 60th overall pick in the second round, potentially getting excellent value if he falls that far.
Bengals land dream prospect in second round of ESPN mock draft
During his final two years at Tennessee, Pearce recorded 28 tackles for a loss and 17.5 sacks. At the NFL Combine, he impressed with a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-5, 245 pounds. While once considered a top-10 prospect, some concerns about play strength and pass-rush plan diversity have affected his draft stock.
