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 journey to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. Just three years ago, the North Carolina native was a virtual unknown, with his first power-conference offer coming in 2021. However, Tennessee identified his potential early, and Pearce quietly signed with the Volunteers in 2022, forgoing the traditional signing day fanfare.
It wasn’t until the following January that Pearce’s stock started to skyrocket, as he rose nearly 400 spots to earn a four-star rating. Despite a relatively quiet freshman season, the young defensive end exploded onto the scene as a sophomore in 2023, showcasing a rare combination of power, speed, and pass-rushing prowess.
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 performances from a quarterback, he’ll be the odds-on favorite to go No. 1 overall in the 2025 draft. He’s that talented with All-Pro upside,” Trapasso wrote.
Unlike other prospects, Pearce’ primary claim to fame is his defense and scouts have certainly noticed that. As it stands, the New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, and Denver Broncos are projected to be the top three teams to get the number one pick in next year’s draft.
It remains to be seen how Pearce will shape up when that time comes. In any case, a lot of teams will be monitoring him to see his progress until next year.
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