Many NFL executives and head coaches arrived at the NFL Combine on Thursday to see the defensive linemen show up and show out.
Tennessee edge-rusher James Pearce Jr. ended up running a 4.47 40-yard dash, which is good for top-10 all-time among defensive linemen.
James Pearce’s Ability Evident at the NFL Combine
Seeing Pearce do what he did on Thursday is proof that he can be a great player at the next level.
The 6’5″, 240-pound defender earned All-SEC honors each of the last two years after playing elite ball in Knoxville. He recorded 9.5 sacks and multiple forced fumbles in 2023 before recording 7.5 sacks in 2024.
He was part of the reason the Volunteers made it to the College Football Playoff. His speed is evident, so plenty of defensive coordinators might be drooling over his game tape. He has the chance to greatly affect how each team plays against the team that eventually drafts him.
Now, the only question is which team will decide to select him in this year’s NFL Draft?
Where Would Pearce Fit?
There are several teams that could use a young edge rusher that they could ultimately build around.
The Los Angeles Chargers could lose Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack this offseason to free agency and may need help at that position. A team like the Green Bay Packers needs a lot more production out of their edge-rushers not named Rashan Gary, and Pearce could add some explosiveness almost immediately.
KEEP READING: Takeaways From NFL Combine Day 2
Perhaps the Buffalo Bills could look to add the 21-year-old to their team, especially with Von Miller set to turn 36 years of age next month. Finally, maybe the Chicago Bears have an interest in adding a lightning-quick edge defender to new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s scheme.
There is no shortage of options for the former Volunteer star, but it depends on when those teams want to draft him. He should be a name to watch between his test day at the NFL Combine and perhaps the rest of his career if he keeps it up.
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