Even though the 2025 NFL Draft is less than a year away, there are several names being considered to become the number one pick. In this regard, Tennessee Volunteers star James Pearce Jr. was named as one of the select few that can go first down the line.
Pearce’s ascent to fame has been nothing short of extraordinary. The native of North Carolina was almost unknown three years ago; in 2021, he received his first power-conference invitation. But Tennessee saw his promise early on, and in 2022, Pearce quietly signed with the Volunteers without the customary pomp associated with signing day.
Pearce’s stock didn’t start to soar until the following January, when he climbed roughly 400 ranks and received a four-star rating. The young defensive end had a somewhat quiet rookie campaign, but as a sophomore in 2023, he burst onto the spotlight with an exceptional blend of speed, power, and pass-rushing ability.
Pearce recorded multiple-sack games against Virginia, South Carolina, and Iowa, emerging as a consistent disruptive force for the Vols’ defense. His raw athleticism and natural ability set him apart from many of his collegiate peers, and with continued development of his technique and finesse, he could potentially join the elite echelon of NFL draft prospects – a feat no Tennessee defender has ever accomplished. His rapid rise from relative obscurity to star status has been a testament to his talent and work ethic, and the college football world is taking notice.
Tennessee Volunteers Star James Pearce Named As Possible Number One Pick of 2025 NFL Draft
Even at this point in time, teams are looking at how Pearce will perform as a professional. In an article for CBS Sports, Chris Trapasso explained why the Volunteers star has a chance to go number one.
“In his first full season in the SEC, all Pearce did was create a quarterback pressure on 21.1% of his opportunities, a seismic number regardless of age or experience.
That could be the entire write-up on Pearce, and it’d be worthwhile for top-pick consideration. But it’ll provide context. Pearce achieved that monstrous number not on a multitude of stunts or at a low volume. It was 52 pressures on 246 pass-rushing opportunities. Sure, teams would probably like to see that rep figure increase to somewhere in the 300 or 400 range in 2024, and it likely will for the 6-5, 245-pounder.
Pearce appears to have long limbs and demonstrated like 50 pass-rush moves on his way to SEC quarterbacks a season ago. He was the No. 18 edge-rushing recruit in the nation in 2022 and only turns 21 years old in October. Sure, there’s a chance Pearce’s pass-rushing efficiency dips in 2024.
Based on what he put on display last year, there’s also a chance he hovers near the same pressure-creation rate while adding more power to his game. If that happens, and we don’t get any out-of-this-world year-long Given his quarterbacking prowess, he is the clear favorite to be selected first overall in the 2025 draft. Trapasso noted, “He’s that talented with All-Pro upside.”
Scouts have recognized that Pearce’s defense is his main asset, which sets him apart from other prospects. The Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and Carolina Panthers are currently the top three teams predicted to have the first choice in the draft the following year.
We’ll see when that moment arrives and how Pearce develops. In any event, until next year, a number of organizations will be keeping an eye on him to see how he develops.
