James Pearce Jr. Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
School: Tennessee
Class: Junior
Position: EDGE
HT: 6’5
WT: 240 lbs
Background: James Pearce Jr was a 4-star edge rusher from Charlotte, North Carolina. He was a top 200 player nationally, a top 10 player in North Carolina, and a top 20 edge rusher in the class of 2022. Pearce played football for Chambers High School, where he was an all-state selection as both a junior and senior. James led Chambers to back-to-back state titles in 2019 and 2020 and was selected to play in the 2021 Carolina All-Star Bowl. Pearce committed to Tennessee over the likes of Missouri, Georgia, Ole Miss, and others.
College: As a freshman in 2022, Pearce appeared in every game for the Volunteers. He accumulated 2 TFLs and 2 sacks. Pearce turned heads nationally as a sophomore in 2023. He was a First Team All-SEC selection and the undisputed best edge rusher in the conference. He tallied 14.5 TFLs and 10 sacks on the year. In 2024, a year in which offenses are focusing game plans around Pearce, he still put up 7.5 sacks and 13 TFLs. These numbers were good enough to get him a First Team All-SEC nod once again.
Strengths: James Pearce is an edge rusher with 4.4 speed who has consistently won with that rare speed throughout his college career. He explodes out of his stance, whether it be a two-point stance or with his hands in the dirt. He has a first step that offensive linemen simply cannot handle. Pearce’s athletic ability provides for an extremely versatile profile. He can be seen lining up to rush off the edge, drop back in coverage, as a linebacker, or as an interior defensive lineman. While he mainly used his speed to win at Tennessee, he has a variety of pass rushing moves in his arsenal. Pearce is also an instinctive run defender. He can clog gaps well and unlike many edge rushers, he is patient in rushing lanes. He diagnoses the run and blocking schemes well without shooting himself into the backfield. He is a sure tackler anywhere, but especially close to the line of scrimmage, where he can bounce off blockers to bring down the ball carrier.
Weaknesses: The main concerns with James Pearce are due to his size. Weighing in at only 240 lbs, it is hard to see him consistently winning his matchups against the best of the best in the NFL. His speed will not get him by in the NFL like it did in college. He does not have a counter move in his bag as a pass rusher. If he is swallowed up on his initial rush, he is effectively taken out of the play. His hands are not active enough to deconstruct blocks and make a play.
Conclusion: James Pearce Jr. can be an effective player in rotational situations. However, if he adds muscle without giving up speed or explosiveness, he will be an every-down player. Pearce is a solid run defender and a good pass rusher. We have seen players of his size at his position succeed in the NFL, if he uses a larger variety of pass rushing moves, he will be a star in the NFL.
Scheme Fit: Scheme Versatile
Ideal Role: EDGE
Best Team Fits: CIN, BUF, DET
Player Comparison: Will McDonald IV
Player Grade: Round 2 (86.4)
