Tennessee Vols junior edge rusher James Pearce is one of the most talked-about players heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, despite not having officially declared his intentions yet. As one of the top defensive prospects in college football, Pearce is widely expected to declare for the draft soon, with many projections placing him as a potential first-round selection. A recent mock draft by Pro Football Focus (PFF) has Pearce landing with the Atlanta Falcons at No. 15 overall, reflecting his growing stature as a premier pass-rusher. However, his draft stock and ultimate selection will likely be influenced by a few concerns, including his ability to defend the run and his fit as a potential three-down player in the NFL.
Pearce’s rise as one of the most formidable edge rushers in college football has been nothing short of remarkable. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism has caught the attention of scouts and analysts alike. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 243 pounds, Pearce has the physical tools to dominate at the next level. He’s shown incredible burst off the edge, utilizing his speed and flexibility to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. His quickness allows him to close in on the pocket in a flash, and his ability to finish plays with force and precision has made him one of the SEC’s top sack artists.
In the 2024 season, Pearce put up impressive numbers, finishing with 38 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks, with 5.5 of those sacks coming against SEC opponents. His performance against some of the toughest competition in college football further boosted his stock, as the SEC is widely regarded as the most competitive conference in the nation. Pearce’s ability to generate pressure against elite offensive lines and quarterbacks is a key reason why he’s being talked about as a potential first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Despite his standout pass-rushing ability, Pearce’s draft evaluation is not without its questions. While Pearce has the athleticism and burst to get after the quarterback, there are lingering concerns about his ability to contribute as a true three-down player at the next level. The main worry centers around his size—at 243 pounds, he is considered by some to be undersized for a traditional 3-4 outside linebacker role or a defensive end position in a 4-3 front. Many scouts believe that Pearce’s frame may limit his ability to hold up against the run and potentially be an every-down player in the NFL.
The question of whether Pearce’s size will hinder his ability to play the run is an important one. In the NFL, edge rushers are often asked to do more than just rush the passer—they must be able to set the edge in the run game and defend against power-running schemes. Pearce’s play against the run has been a point of criticism during his college career, and this is something that could impact his draft stock. If NFL teams believe Pearce struggles to hold up in the run game or lacks the strength to shed blockers in close-quarter situations, it could push him down the board, potentially out of the top 10.
As noted by Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic, Pearce’s potential as a top-10 pick is directly tied to whether NFL teams see him as a true three-down option. “The only concern about Pearce is whether his size (243 pounds) is enough for teams to see him as a true three-down option,” Baumgardner wrote. If Pearce can prove that he can develop the necessary strength and technique to contribute effectively in the run game, then there is a real chance that he could be drafted higher than expected. His speed off the edge is nearly unmatched in this class, and if teams are willing to overlook his size concerns or believe that they can develop him into a more well-rounded player, Pearce could be a top-10 selection.
One of the reasons Pearce is still being considered as a potential first-round pick despite these concerns is his rare pass-rushing ability. In the NFL, the ability to generate pressure on the quarterback is paramount, and Pearce has shown time and time again that he can be a force in this area. His speed, explosiveness, and ability to bend around the edge make him a nightmare for offensive linemen. Pearce has the kind of traits that can translate into a high sack total at the next level, making him an intriguing option for teams that prioritize getting after the quarterback.
The Atlanta Falcons, who hold the No. 15 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft according to PFF’s latest mock draft, could be an ideal landing spot for Pearce. The Falcons have made significant strides in recent years but still need to improve their pass rush. Atlanta’s defense has shown promise but has lacked consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Pearce would provide an instant upgrade to their pass-rushing unit, adding a dynamic edge rusher who can contribute early in his career.
While Pearce’s ability to stop the run and contribute in other areas will be a point of emphasis for the Falcons’ coaching staff, his potential as a pass-rushing specialist makes him an intriguing option for Atlanta. The Falcons have a need for a disruptive force off the edge, and Pearce’s skill set could fill that role immediately. Furthermore, Atlanta’s coaching staff could look to develop Pearce’s skills in other areas of the game to help him become a more well-rounded player. If Pearce can develop into a true three-down player, his value to the Falcons would increase exponentially, making him a key piece of their defensive future.
Looking ahead, it will be important for Pearce to continue to develop his all-around game in the lead-up to the draft. He has the potential to be one of the top edge rushers in the class, but to maximize his draft stock, Pearce will need to demonstrate that he can contribute in all areas. His ability to prove that he can handle the physicality of the NFL and defend the run will be critical to his success in the draft process. However, his pass-rushing ability alone may be enough to secure him a spot in the first round, with many teams willing to take a chance on his raw talent and upside.
In conclusion, James Pearce is a highly intriguing prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. His ability to rush the passer with speed and explosiveness makes him one of the top edge rusher prospects in the country. While concerns about his size and ability to defend the run could limit his draft stock, Pearce’s potential as a pass-rusher gives him the chance to be selected in the first round. The Atlanta Falcons, with the No. 15 pick, could be an ideal landing spot for Pearce, offering him the opportunity to develop into a key contributor for their defense. Regardless of where Pearce lands in the draft, he has the potential to be an impactful player in the NFL, and his journey from the Tennessee Vols to the NFL is one to watch closely.
