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0:342025 NFL Draft Grades: Falcons Select James Pearce Jr. No. 26
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1:39Highlights: Dylan Sampson, Dont'e Thornton Jr. and James Pearce Jr. at Tennessee's Pro Day
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1:31James Pearce Jr. reflects on the growth and the main influences on his Tennessee career
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4:57Tennessee DL James Pearce Joins CBS Sports HQ
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1:30Tennessee's James Pearce Jr. motivated to prove he's the best defensive player in the 2025 NFL Draft
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0:51Late Kick: DL James Pearce will make a huge impact on defense for Tennessee
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0:45Latest portal intel on WR Keelan Marion | 247Sports Ultimate CFB Show
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1:152025 NFL Draft - Josh Pate's Players to Know: RB Dylan Sampson (Tennessee)
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2:01Tennessee and UCLA swap quarterbacks
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1:11QB Nico Iamaleava transferring to UCLA
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1:57Nico Iamaleava to UCLA not a done deal
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1:27Evaluating QB Gio Lopez
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1:41There is still potential in Nico Iamaleava despite the Tennessee fallout
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1:26UCLA Has Present NIL Offer To Nico Iamaleava
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1:41Report: Nico Iamaleava to UCLA?
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1:39NFL Draft RB Rankings: No. 2 Dylan Sampson (Tennessee)
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1:48Transfer Market for Nico Iamaleava after "Do not Contact"
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2:45Andrew Fischer talks with GoVols247 about his return to Ole Miss
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1:23What's next for Nico Iamaleava?
Draft Scouting Report
Rating: 88.00 (Pro Bowl potential)
Pro Comparison: Randy Gregory
Summary
James Pearce Jr. boasts a long, relatively sleek frame with clear potential to add serious bulk, a necessary step for his development. His first-step explosiveness and ability to convert speed to power stand out immediately on film. Despite his leaner build, he sets a surprisingly strong edge, and his bull rush is a legitimate weapon in his pass-rushing repertoire, even without a naturally low center of gravity. He maintains his speed effortlessly after his initial burst, making his outside speed rush his most dangerous tool at this stage. Pearce displays impressive bend, even when absorbing contact around the corner, occasionally flashing borderline elite ability. His awareness to diagnose quarterback scrambles or running back lanes is well above average, and he consistently sheds blockers to pursue the football effectively. Pearce plays with relentless urgency and mixes up his rush moves effectively. In space, he is remarkably comfortable, showing no stiffness. He is flexible, well-balanced, and exhibits excellent change-of-direction ability.
About
- 2023-24: Two-time first-team All-SEC
- Career: 71 tackles, 30.0 tackles for loss, 19.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception (returned for a touchdown) in 39 games
Strengths
- Incredible burst off the snap and bend around the corner
- Demonstrated counter moves off his initial rush with good regularity
- Surprising speed-to-power conversion with plus balance
Weaknesses
- Must add bulk to withstand power from OTs in the NFL
- Not always the best finisher once he disrupts
- Some teams won't like his frame because his rushes can be high
Combine Data
- 40-yard dash: 4.47 seconds
- Vertical jump: 31 inches
- Broad jump: 10 feet, 3 inches
Top James Pearce Jr. News
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Falcons' James Pearce: Target of big trade-up by Atlanta
The Falcons selected Pearce in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 26th overall.
Atlanta made an aggressive play to move back up into the first round and double-tap edge rushers by adding Pearce after selecting Jalon Walker at 15. Pass rush has long been an issue in Atlanta and the front office is prioritizing changing that in this draft. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Falcons sent their second-round pick and next year's first-round pick to the Rams to get this deal done. As for Pearce, the Tennessee product was considered the potential No.1 overall pick in this year's class coming into the season. It didn't quite work out that way as Pearce's sack production dropped from 10.0 in 2023 to 7.5 in 2024. He tested well at the combine with 4.47 speed at 6-foot-5, but he is light for a conventional 3-4 outside linebacker. Jalon Walker has similar strengths and weaknesses, so Atlanta is certainly targeting a particular archetype with these two selections.
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Player Bio
| HT/WT: 6-5, 245 lbs |
| Birthplace: Charlotte, NC |
| Age: 21 |
| Class: Junior |
