With just over two months remaining until the 2025 NFL Draft, Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. continues to be a highly sought-after prospect. The standout pass rusher is projected as a first-round pick across nearly all major mock drafts, showcasing his elite potential as he prepares for the next stage of his career. While the specific placement of Pearce varies between analysts, his stock remains strong, ranging from a top-10 selection to a late first-round pick.
Since taking over as Tennessee’s head coach, Josh Heupel has produced several early-round NFL draft selections, and Pearce appears to be the next Vols defender to make an impact at the professional level. With a blend of size, athleticism, and pass-rushing ability, Pearce has drawn significant attention from teams in need of an explosive edge rusher. His ability to generate pressure against top-tier SEC competition has solidified his status as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 draft class.
According to the latest mock drafts, Pearce has been linked to multiple teams, each looking to bolster their defensive front. CBS Sports projects him as the No. 8 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers, while Pro Football Focus has him landing with the New Orleans Saints at No. 9. Other notable projections include the Atlanta Falcons at No. 15 (Tankathon), the Arizona Cardinals at No. 16 (Sports Illustrated), and the Washington Commanders at No. 29 (Yahoo Sports).
The Panthers, who recently traded star pass rusher Brian Burns, are seen as a strong potential landing spot for Pearce. Analysts believe his speed and ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks would make him an ideal replacement for Carolina’s depleted edge rush. Meanwhile, the Saints, who struggled to generate consistent pressure in 2024, could view Pearce as the missing piece to rejuvenate their defensive front.
Arizona and Atlanta also present intriguing possibilities. The Cardinals have multiple edge rushers set to hit free agency, making Pearce a logical addition to their rebuilding defense. Similarly, the Falcons, who have been searching for a dominant pass rusher for years, could capitalize on his raw athleticism and playmaking potential. On the other hand, the Commanders, under new head coach Dan Quinn, are aiming to rebuild their front seven, and Pearce’s pass-rush-first mentality could align well with their aggressive defensive philosophy.
Statistically, Pearce’s dominance at Tennessee speaks for itself. He finished second in Division I with 43 hurries and ranked 12th nationally with 55 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. Additionally, his pass rush win rate of 22.7% was among the highest in college football, further reinforcing his ability to consistently impact games. While some scouts have expressed concerns about his run defense, his upside as a pass rusher makes him an enticing prospect for teams looking to upgrade their defensive front.
Pearce is expected to generate even more buzz leading up to the NFL Combine, where his athletic testing will be closely monitored by scouts and front-office executives. A strong performance in Indianapolis could push his draft stock even higher, potentially cementing him as a top-10 selection. Given his explosiveness and ability to disrupt opposing offenses, he has the tools to make an immediate impact at the next level.
As the draft process continues, all eyes will be on Pearce to see where he ultimately lands. Whether he goes in the top 10 or later in the first round, it is clear that his name will be called early on draft night, adding another elite talent to the growing list of Tennessee players making the jump to the NFL.