James Pearce Jr. Eyes NFL History: Vols Star Hopes to Become 48th First-Round Pick

James Pearce Jr. is no longer just a promising recruit or a breakout player in the SEC. He’s now one of the most feared edge rushers in college football—and a projected first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. As he prepares for what could be his final season in Knoxville, the Charlotte native has his sights set on an honor that would cement his legacy: becoming the 48th first-round NFL Draft pick in University of Tennessee history.

For a program with a storied tradition of producing elite NFL talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball, Pearce is the latest in a long line of Volunteer greats poised to take his game to the next level.

The Rise of a Star

Coming out of Julius L. Chambers High School in North Carolina, James Pearce Jr. was a four-star prospect with raw athletic gifts that had SEC coaches salivating. At 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds as a senior, he was long, explosive, and disruptive. He posted 14.5 sacks and over 20 tackles for loss his final high school season, earning him offers from top programs across the South.

But it was Tennessee’s vision for his development, and the opportunity to be coached by then-defensive coordinator Tim Banks and defensive line coach Rodney Garner, that sealed the deal.

His freshman season in 2022 was more developmental than dominant. Pearce saw action in all 13 games but mostly played in rotational roles and on special teams. Even then, the coaching staff knew they had something special. It was only a matter of time before the game slowed down and his instincts took over.

Breakout Campaign and National Attention

That time came in 2023.

Pearce exploded onto the national scene in his sophomore season, racking up 10 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and a pick-six. The interception return for a touchdown came against South Carolina in a night game that Tennessee fans will remember for years—Pearce read the play, snagged the ball midair, and took it 35 yards to the house like a seasoned veteran.

His quick first step, combined with elite bend and length, made him nearly unblockable in obvious passing situations. Offensive coordinators started chipping him with tight ends and running backs. It didn’t matter. Pearce consistently found ways to get into the backfield.

He earned First Team All-SEC honors and was named a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award, given to the nation’s top defensive player. Draft scouts took notice.

2024: Leading the Defense

In 2024, expectations were sky-high for Pearce—and he delivered.

Now weighing in at 243 pounds and showing more refined technique, Pearce elevated his game further. In 13 games, he recorded 38 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He also registered multiple pressures in nearly every game, showcasing consistency and the ability to impact games even when he didn’t record a sack.

Pearce’s performance helped Tennessee finish with one of the top defenses in the SEC. His leadership off the field also began to shine through, mentoring younger players and serving as a vocal presence in the locker room.

Vols’ First-Round Draft Legacy

The University of Tennessee has a proud tradition of producing NFL stars, especially at high-impact positions. From Reggie White and Alvin Kamara to Jamal Lewis and Eric Berry, the Vols are known for sending pro-ready talent to the league.

If Pearce is selected in the first round, he’ll become the 48th player in Tennessee history to do so. The last Vol to be taken in Round 1 was offensive tackle Darnell Wright, selected 10th overall by the Chicago Bears in 2023. Prior to that, the program had a dry spell in terms of first-round selections—a drought Pearce is helping to end with authority.

He would also become the latest defensive lineman to carry the Tennessee tradition into the pros, following names like John Henderson and Albert Haynesworth.

NFL Draft Projections and Team Fits

Draft analysts have Pearce solidly in the top 20 of most early 2025 NFL Draft mock drafts. Some even have him flirting with the top 10, depending on team needs and his performance at the NFL Combine.

His blend of size, athleticism, and production makes him scheme-versatile—he could easily fit into a 3-4 defense as a stand-up edge or play with his hand in the dirt in a 4-3 system.

Teams that have been connected to Pearce in early projections include:

• Chicago Bears – Looking to add a true game-changer opposite Montez Sweat.
• Atlanta Falcons – Seeking pass rush help in the NFC South arms race.
• Seattle Seahawks – Always on the hunt for long, explosive edge players.
• Tennessee Titans – A home-state connection and a need at the position.

His performance at the NFL Combine and in interviews will likely determine just how high he rises.

Strengths That Set Him Apart

1. Elite First Step: Pearce is often the first player moving after the snap. His initial burst forces offensive tackles to play catch-up instantly.

2. Rare Bend and Flexibility: He can dip and rip around the edge in a way that few college defenders can, maintaining balance and speed throughout the arc.

3. Motor and Pursuit: Whether he’s chasing down quarterbacks or sprinting after running backs from behind, Pearce doesn’t take plays off.

4. Upside: He’s still growing into his frame and developing new pass-rush moves. That ceiling is what makes NFL scouts drool.

Areas for Growth

Pearce is far from a finished product—and that’s a good thing for NFL coaches who love molding elite traits.

Run Defense: He’s improved, but he can still get washed out of plays when facing double teams or strong downhill running games.

Pass-Rush Arsenal: Right now, Pearce wins mostly with speed and leverage. Adding a power move or inside counter would make him much harder to stop.

Hand Technique: Developing more violent and strategic hand usage will help him disengage from blocks quicker at the next level.

Legacy and What’s Next

Regardless of where he’s drafted, James Pearce Jr. is already cemented in Tennessee football lore. But a first-round selection would elevate his status even further—and put him among the elite to come out of Rocky Top.

His journey from raw high school prospect to future NFL star is a story of development, grit, and relentless work. It’s also a testament to Tennessee’s player development program and the vision they had for Pearce from the start.

With one final season to put a bow on his college career, Pearce isn’t just playing for draft status—he’s playing for a championship, for pride, and to etch his name permanently into the Vols’ NFL legacy.

James Pearce Jr. isn’t just chasing sacks. He’s chasing history. And if all goes as expected, he’ll hear his name called early in the 2025 NFL Draft, becoming Tennessee’s 48th first-round pick and the newest torchbearer for a program built on producing Sunday stars.

His game is already pro-ready. Now, it’s just a matter of which NFL team will be lucky enough to land one of the most electric pass rushers in college football.