Tennessee Volunteers: James Pearce Jr. Poised to Be Top Defensive Lineman in 2025 NFL Draft!
Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. is gearing up for his junior season with high expectations. Following a solid 9-4 season, Tennessee is aiming for a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff, striving to make a mark in the highly competitive SEC Conference.
Pearce Jr. had a quiet freshman year but saw a significant leap in his performance during his sophomore season. Last year, he recorded 27 tackles, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a 52-yard defensive touchdown. His impressive play earned him a spot on the All-SEC First Team, a recognition he aims to replicate in his junior year.
Due to his remarkable improvement, many analysts predict Pearce Jr. could be a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. CBS Sports analyst Chris Trapasso even projects Pearce Jr. as high as the number two overall pick, potentially going to the Tennessee Titans. Trapasso noted:
“Pearce was ridiculously productive in the SEC last season and has the size and traits to go this high in the draft.”
Standing at 6’5” and weighing 242 pounds, Pearce Jr. is seen as a top prospect alongside Michigan Wolverines defensive tackle Mason Graham, both expected to be among the top five picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
James Pearce Jr.: Potential Top Pick in 2025 NFL Draft
Pearce Jr. has the potential to be the number one overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, depending on which team holds the top selection. Unlike the 2024 draft, fewer teams may be in dire need of a quarterback in 2025. Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck is another contender for the top spot, adding intrigue to the draft dynamics.
Tennessee Volunteers defensive coordinator Tim Banks praised Pearce Jr. during a spring media session, stating:
“We think the sky’s the limit for him. Obviously, he was just a sophomore. I think he’s just scratching the surface of how good he can be. He’s extremely versatile … I think James would be the first one to tell you there’s a lot of room for improvement on his end, and the good news is he’s working extremely hard right now to take another step.”
If Pearce Jr. continues his upward trajectory, he could become the third defensive lineman to be the number one overall pick in the NFL Draft in the past decade, following Travon Walker from Georgia (picked by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022) and Myles Garrett from Texas A&M (picked by the Cleveland Browns in 2017).
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