James Pearce Jr. Tabbed as Potential No. 1 Pick

Tennessee Volunteers edge rusher James Pearce Jr. earned high praise almost a year out from the 2025 NFL Draft.

Tennessee Volunteers edge rusher James Pearce Jr. earned high praise almost a year out from the 2025 NFL Draft.

Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. is a special pass rusher that already has scouts salivating. Pearce can't enter the NFL Draft until after the 2024 season, but there's early talk that he could contend for the No. 1 overall selection.

Pro Football Focus's Max Chadwick ranked the top edge rushers entering the 2024 college football season and had Pearce in his top spot. In his evaluation of Pearce, Chadwick mentioned the third-year volunteer's sky-high potential.

"With the 2025 NFL Draft looking like it'll feature a weaker quarterback class, there's a real chance that Pearce could be the No. 1 overall pick." PFF's Max Chadwick on James Pearce Jr.

Pearce was a second-team All-SEC selection during the 2023 season. He logged 27 tackles, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception for the Vols. Pearce was their most impactful player on either side of the football and could be one of the top players in the country next season.

Tennessee Volunteers EDGE James Pearce Jr. during the win over Iowa. (Photo by Morgan Tencza of USA Today Sports)

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