Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. was once seen as a surefire top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. But over the past year, his stock has taken a noticeable dip.
Despite a productive senior season—finishing with 38 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and a forced fumble—Pearce’s overall collegiate résumé remains strong. He leaves Rocky Top with 70 tackles, 19 sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception to his name.
Still, his recent draft projections don’t reflect that success. In Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest ESPN mock draft, Pearce is on the verge of slipping out of the first round altogether.
He’s currently pegged to land with the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 32 overall—a solid fit, but a surprisingly low spot for a player of his caliber.
“The defending Super Bowl champs lost some key parts of their defense in free agency, including edge rusher Josh Sweat,” Kiper wrote. “Being able to get after the quarterback is important for Vic Fangio’s defense, and there’s a glaring void now on the edge.
“There are mixed opinions around the league on whether Pearce is a first-rounder, but he has the traits to develop into a speedy disruptor in the right system. He had 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons and ranked second in the nation in pressure rate last season (19.0%).”
If James Pearce Jr. slips to the 32nd overall pick, the Philadelphia Eagles would gain yet another dynamic edge rusher to bolster their already formidable defensive front—an outcome that could spell trouble for the rest of the league.
For Pearce, it would be an ideal fit, offering the chance to thrive in a system built for playoff success. His arrival could further fuel the Eagles’ ambitions for another deep postseason run in 2025.
All eyes will be on where Pearce ultimately lands when the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off in Green Bay, Wisconsin, from Thursday, April 24 to Saturday, April 26.
