The Cincinnati Bengals need to address their pass-rushing woes regardless of what happens with their premier EDGE rusher. Trey Hendrickson is in the middle of a contract dispute with the front office and has requested a trade but wants to remain in Cincinnati. Even if the Bengals retain Hendrickson, their depth at EDGE is very thin and needs a new starter since Joseph Ossai finished 2024 as their second-leading sacker with five sacks.
Because of this, the Bengals could select an EDGE rusher on Day 1 or 2.
Cincinnati Bengals hosting explosive SEC pass rusher
According to Ian Rapoport, the Bengals will host former Tennessee Volunteers’ pass rusher James Pearce Jr. for a Top-30 visit this week.
#Tennessee edge James Pearce Jr. spent yesterday with the #AZCardinals, then he also has visits to #Colts and #Bengals this week. He was with the #Cowboys and #Falcons last week.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 8, 2025
Pearce is an explosive prospect because of his elite first step, blazing speed with a 4.47 40-yard dash, the fastest among EDGE rushers at the combine, his length at 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, with 32.75-inch arms, and his athleticism, scoring an impressive 9.40 Relative Athletic Score. However, he is a boom-or-bust prospect because of his struggles in the running game and questions about being an every-down defender. Because of this, many analysts have mocked him as a late first to early second-round pick.
He had a solid career with Tennessee
James Pearce Jr. committed to the Tennessee Volunteers as a four-star recruit for the 2022 season. Pearce had a solid career with Tennessee, recording 71 tackles, 30 TFLs, 19.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles in 39 games. His accolades include being named First Team All-SEC in 2023 and 2024.
Pearce had a solid junior year, albeit recording fewer sacks, but he put up impressive pressure numbers and had one of the highest pass-rush win rates in the nation. He recorded 38 tackles, 13 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in 13 games. He posted 55 pressures and a 23.0% pass rush win rate, finishing 12th in pressures and 2nd in pass rush win rate among qualified EDGE rushers (h/t) PFF.
Here’s Lance Zierlein‘s scouting report on James Pearce Jr.
“Pearce is a tight-hipped, linear pass rusher with explosive take-offs and good speed-to-power but a lack of bend to flatten at the top. His high pressure rate is partially derived from an instinctive feel for positioning, allowing him to work around protection for quick wins into the pocket.
“He’s very long but narrow through his hips, so the build-out of his frame might be limited. Pearce knows how to play around blocks and has the speed to close and tackle, but his base is naturally narrow and lacks bend. He’ll need to improve his strength and technique as an NFL run defender. Despite those concerns, Pearce’s length, twitch and rush production create a higher ceiling.”
