Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce announced that he is declaring for the NFL Draft on Wednesday night, forgoing his final season of eligibility.
VFL🧡 pic.twitter.com/052zn6diUn
— JCP (@JamesPearceJr10) January 16, 2025
Pearce was a two-time First Team All-SEC selection and totaled 38 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble during his junior season.
The Charlotte native’s stats were better in his sophomore season, when he totaled 27 tackles, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a pick six. He led Tennessee in tackles for loss and sacks in each of the last two seasons.
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Despite his numbers slightly dropping off in his junior season, Pearce was still disruptive. He was second in the SEC and third nationally with 43 quarterback hurries according to Pro Football Focus. Pearce was the second highest graded player on Tennessee’s defense in 2024 according to PFF.
While Wednesday was the final day for underclassmen to declare for the NFL Draft, Pearce forgoing his final season of eligibility was the expectation. Many mock drafts projected Pearce to be the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft ahead of the 2024 season and while that’s no longer the case, Pearce still projects as a first round selection.
Pearce’s departure to the NFL Draft is an undoubted significant one for Tennessee but comes at a position where the Vols have built depth. Josh Josephs was one of Tennessee’s most improved players last season while former top 100 recruits and underclassmen Caleb Herring and Jordan Ross will return next season.
Josephs was the Vols’ highest graded defensive player last season according PFF but was much better against the run than he was rushing the passer. Tennessee will need someone, if not multiple, of those edge rushers to step up next season.
The 2025 NFL Draft starts on April 24 at Lambeau Field in Wisconsin. Pearce is one of a handful of Vols projected to go in the seven-round draft.
