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Look: Possible Cincinnati Bengals Draft Target James Pearce Jr. Impresses at NFL Combine

The Bengals desperately need to upgrade their pass rush this offseason.

James Rapien

Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce (DL59) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce (DL59) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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CINCINNATI — The Bengals are hoping to bolster their pass rush this offseason. Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. may be the perfect fit.

Pearce impressed during his workouts on Thursday in Indianapolis, running a 4.5-second 40-yard dash (96th percentile). He also posted a 1.58-second 10-yard split, which is in the 97th percentile.

Pearce had 66 tackles combined over the past two seasons, including 30 for loss and 17.5 sacks. He's 21st on Dane Brugler's big board. The Bengals have the No. 17 overall pick.

NFL.com's Lance Zierlein only has 16 players with higher grades.

"Pearce is a tight-hipped, linear pass rusher with explosive take-offs and good speed-to-power, but a lack of bend to flatten at the top," Zierlein wrote. "His high pressure rate is partially derived from an instinctive feel for positioning, allowing him to work around protection for quick wins into the pocket. He’s very long but narrow through his hips, so the build-out of his frame might be limited. Pearce knows how to play around blocks and has the speed to close and tackle, but his base is naturally narrow and lacks bend. He’ll need to improve his strength and technique as an NFL run defender. Despite those concerns, Pearce’s length, twitch and rush production create a higher ceiling."

Zierlein compared Pierce to Odafe Oweh, who had 10 sacks for the Ravens last season.

The Bengals met with Pearce earlier this week.

"This draft offers a lot of d-linemen. I think this is one the better d-line groups," Bengals Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin said. "We will have to decide what we are willing to accept and not having in a guy. But there are a lot of guys. They are very different. They all have really great strengths. Their strengths that they have are excellent. We will have to decide what we are willing to accept not having in that player. I am excited about the draft for d-line. And we will see what free agency has to offer."

Check out Pierce's relative athletic score and footage of his 40-yard dash below:

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James Rapien
JAMES RAPIEN

James Rapien is the publisher of Bengals On SI. He's also the host of the Locked on Bengals podcast and Cincinnati Bengals Talk on YouTube. The Cincinnati native also wrote a book about the history of the Cincinnati Bengals called Enter The Jungle. Prior to joining Bengals On SI, Rapien worked at 700 WLW and ESPN 1530 in Cincinnati

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