Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. is preparing for his junior season. Tennessee, which finished 9-4 last season, hopes to advance to the expanded College Football Playoff field. The Volunteers will want to show themselves in a very competitive SEC Conference.
Pearce Jr. did not have much production during his rookie season, but his numbers increased significantly during his sophomore season. As a sophomore last season, he has 27 tackles, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one defensive touchdown (52 yards). James Pearce Jr. was a member of the All-First SEC team in college football last season and expects to be again in his junior year.
Many people believe that because of his sophomore surge, he might be a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. CBS Sports Chris Trapasso believes Pearce Jr. might go as high as the second overall choice in the 2025 NFL Draft. He predicts him going to the Tennessee Titans in that mock draft by saying:
“Pearce was ridiculously productive in the SEC last season and has the size and traits to go this high in the draft.”
He stands 6’5″ and weighs 242 pounds. James Pearce Jr. and Michigan Wolverines defensive tackle Mason Graham could be among the top five defensive line prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
James Pearce Jr. From the Tennessee Volunteers Could Be the Top Pick In the 2025 NFL Draft Depending On How the Dominoes Fall
Pearce Jr. might be the #1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, depending on who obtains the first overall pick. In contrast to the 2024 NFL Draft, fewer clubs may need to draft a quarterback in 2025. Carson Beck, the quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs, might be the top pick in the draft depending on how things shake out.
Tim Banks, Tennessee Volunteers defensive coordinator, spoke with the media about Pearce Jr. this spring. He said:
“We believe the sky is the limit for him. Obviously, he was only a sophomore. I believe he has only scratched the surface of his potential. He is quite versatile. I believe James would be the first to admit that there is a lot of room for development on his end, and the good news is that he is now working really hard to take the next step.”
Pearce Jr. has the opportunity to become the third defensive lineman to be the first overall choice in an NFL Draft in the last decade. The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Travon Walker from Georgia as their first pick in 2022, whereas the Cleveland Browns selected Myles Garrett from Texas A&M first in 2017.
