James Pearce Jr. Landing Spots: Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints Lead Best Fits for the Tennessee EDGE

    James Pearce Jr. entered the 2024 season as the favorite to go No. 1 overall. While he fell down the board some, his landing spots still reside in Round 1.

    Tennessee Volunteers EDGE James Pearce Jr. has seen his 2025 NFL Draft stock stumble since way-too-early mocks and big boards last offseason, but he’s still a first-round-caliber prospect. Which Day 1 landing spots make the most sense?

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    James Pearce Jr. Landing Spots

    Pearce’s production took a slight hit from 2023 to 2024, but 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in the SEC are nothing to scoff at. His 6’5″ and 240+ pound build was designed to olbiterate tackles on the edge, and his pass-rush skill set will be highly valued on draft night.

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    Still, his slighter frame and less-than-ideal phsyciality against the run could force some teams to lower him on their boards.

    Carolina Panthers

    After trading Brian Burns to the New York Giants, the Panthers were left 31-year-old Jadeveon Clowney as their No. 1 pass rusher. While he played surpsingly well in 2024, the team tied for the third fewest sacks in the NFL (32).

    Not only would Pearce instantly jump-start the unit statistically, but his high-octane play would energize those around him.

    New Orleans Saints

    Cam Jordon can’t defy Father Time forever, and he was actually third in the pass-rush rotation behind Chase Young and Carl Granderson in 2024.

    The Saints have spent early draft picks on the position in Payton Turner (Round 1, 2021) and Isaiah Foskey (Round 2, 2023) in recent years, but neither has taken the next step needed to bolster the front seven that Pearce can on Day 1.

    Chicago Bears

    Listen, if the Chicago Bears can’t create synergy between their GM, HC, and QB, they aren’t going to win many games. At least Pearce could form a lethal duo with Montez Sweat off the edge and keep the scoreboard close.

    DeMarcus Walker and Darrell Taylor were servicable this season, but Walker is a free agent in 2026, and Taylor wil lliekly walk in the offseason.

    Atlanta Falcons

    The Falcons generated the second fewest sacks in the entire NFL this season, and no defender surpassed five. Kaden Elliss has a potential out this offseason, and Matthew Judon played like a 32-year-old EDGE he’s lost a step.

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    Arnold Ebiketie is the only quaility pass rusher of note, and he’s entering the final year of his rookie contract. Clearly, the Falcons are in desperate need of pass-rush help, but that’s nothing new. Atlanta has needed a premier EDGE since … John Abraham?

    Arizona Cardinals

    Like the Falcons, the Cardinals have been bereft of quality EDGE play for some time. Zaven Collins has been the only player to bring consistent pressure over the last two years and was rewarded with a two-year extension last August.

    However, Collins has 10.5 sacks over the last four years — not exactly what you expect from your No. 1 pass rusher. Pearce would be able to capitalize on Collins’ raw power with his speed and bend, ideally meeting at the QB.

    James Pearce Jr.’s 2025 NFL Draft Profile

    Did Pearce dominate as much as he did in 2023 for the Vols? No, but it’s not like he completely fell off, either. He has all the tools to produce from Day 1, using his length and explosiveness to devastating effect.

    Pearce finished the 2024 season with the second-highest EDGE pressure rate in the FBS (18.8%), accoridng to ESPN’s Jordan Reid. Not bad for a true junior, who was a semifinalist for the 2024 Bednarik (Defensive Player of the Year), Lombardi (Lineman of the Year), and Walter Camp Player of the Year awards.

    Strengths

    • Wicked first step that quickly eats up ground
    • Times snaps to near perfection
    • Quick hands and reaction speed to beat linemen at the point of attack
    • Channels speed to power successfully, especially for his size
    • Has the phsyical tools to be an effective spot-drop defender in coverage
    • Owns the searing speed to win the arc vs. even athletic offensive tackles
    • Has the bend to dip around the edge and toward the QB without losing speed
    • Improved run defense from 2023 to 2024
    • Excellent range in pursuit
    • Efficient lateral mover that can sink and roll his hips with ease

    Weaknesses

    • Still has room to add weight in order to set the edge most consistently against the run
    • Should add more counters to repertoire, as pass rushes can stall after initial move
    • Is limited to alignments outside OTs due to size
    • Strong-handed blockers can move him against his will
    • Bull rushes can die out rather quickly
    • Gap control is an issue that must be schemed around
    • Can be late to recognize pullers
    • Must improve tackling technique to capitalize against athletic QBs

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