James Pearce Jr. is Lightning in a Bottle

Over the summer, I evaluated Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. and came away a big fan, nearly handing him a Hall-of-Fame grade.

I hoped 2024 would be the year he evolved into a near-complete prospect.

However, according to the media, Pearce has taken a step in the wrong direction. His name has surfaced in headlines ahead of the draft—and not for good reason. Character concerns are Pearce’s chief issue. I can’t speak to that, but I can confidently grade his game film.

Background

Pearce was a four-star recruit who committed to Tennessee in December 2021 (per 247Sports)

Pearce’s Stats: 

2023: 

• 13 games
• 28 tackles (18 solo)
• 10 sacks
• 2 forced fumbles

2024: 

• 13 games
• 38 tackles (23 solo)
• 7.5 sacks
• 1 forced fumble

He ranks in the 74th percentile for height and just the 6th percentile for weight among edge rushers (per NFLDraftBuzz.com)

#27 James Pearce Jr. 6-foot-5, 245 pounds 
Rajvir Bal’s 2025 NFL Draft Grade: First-Round (I would select him)
Projected by 86.6% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of April 21, 2024 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

(C) Character Concerns

James Pearce Jr. is a Franchise Changing Game Wrecker (2023: 5 games evaluated)

2024 game film reviewed: Oklahoma, Georgia, Alabama (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

Speed Rush

It’s one of the best I’ve evaluated.

His first step is lightning-quick, often blowing past offensive tackles before they react. He explodes off the line of scrimmage like he’s being shot out of a cannon.

Pearce sometimes wins the rep before his opposing tackle even gets out of his stance.

His ability to bend around the edge is also extremely impressive. He can curve and warp around offensive tackles to break the pocket, and also turn the corner without losing any speed or momentum.

Pearce times the snap like he has a sixth sense, disrupting the offense’s rhythm and flow.

He doesn’t just pressure quarterbacks, he finishes plays. Sacks, strips, quarterback hits, Pearce does it all.

Pass Rush Moves

Pearce isn’t just a speed merchant—his hand usage is equally impressive. This edge rusher can maneuver offensive tackles off of him with rips, chords, and swims. His quick, violent hands also prevent offensive tackles from latching on at the point of attack, and he has great reach to make tackles while engaged.

Overall, his pass-rushing moves offer real game-breaking potential.

Any Other Drawbacks?

Pearce’s weight leads to him getting rag-dolled too often, which is a significant concern when translating to the NFL. He rarely plays every snap of a possession and is often pulled off the field.

He has displayed poor football IQ on more than one occasion. Plus, he jumped offside multiple times on tape —often the result of trying to time the snap.

Ten Adjectives

Explosive. Twitchy. Dominant. Unrefined. Controversial. Talented. Quick. Risky. Slippery. Dynamic.

NFL Crystal Ball

Detroit Lions

Arizona Cardinals

Washington Commanders

Pro Comp: New York Giants Edge Brian Burns

Role on Team: Starting edge rusher with All-Pro upside

Final Words

James Pearce Jr. doesn’t simply flash potential—he flashes dominance.

Rajvir Bal is a high school student from the Virginia area. He grew up a rabid Washington Redskins fan, attending more than 30 games, and has enjoyed the team’s high points and low points throughout his life. He plays varsity football and basketball. Rajvir has taken an interest in the NFL Draft since middle school when his team picked Montez Sweat and Dwayne Haskins in the first round. His favorite NFL player ever flips between Rob Gronkowski and Brett Favre, and his favorite athlete is LeBron James. He has been writing his own scouting reports since 2020, and is excited for the opportunities FirstRoundMock provides.