James Pearce Jr. EDGE Tennessee: Scouting Report

Height: 6’4

Weight: 243

Overall

James Pearce Jr. is an athletic edge rusher in Tennessee’s hybrid, heavy rotation defense. In his 3 seasons with the Volunteers he appeared in 39 games with 12 starts. He had very good production these last 2 seasons and with further development to his game, he can be a game-wrecking pass rusher at the next level.

Pass Game

On the edge, Pearce has a very quick first step off the line of scrimmage to get up field to the tackles outside shoulder but he lacks the bend to dip under blocks causing him to get washed out behind the play. On stunts, he has an elite inside L step to jump inside to the C gap and split blocks. He has excellent length and a strong initial punch to collapse the pocket but he plays high, allowing offensive linemen to get hands on his chest. He does not currently have the block shedding ability to get off blocks consistently. He does not have an advanced pass rush repertoire, he relies solely on his speed and strength to get to the quarterback rather than technique. When he has an open lane to the quarterback he has elite closing speed but he struggles coming to balance and struggles changing direction allowing more agile quarterbacks to evade him in space. With his elite blend of size and explosiveness, he has the potential to develop into a dominant pass rusher in the NFL but he needs to improve his technique and block shedding before he can reach his high ceiling. Pearce was also used occasionally in coverage on film. He has the athleticism to drop into zones and read and react to the play in front of him but he lacks the change of direction ability to be successful in man coverage.

Run Game

Against the run, Pearce continues to struggle getting off blocks but against power run schemes he has the strong initial punch and length to drive his man into the backfield to blow up run plays before they develop. On zone runs that get up field, he struggles holding his ground due to his lack of weight. He was used on a heavy rotation during his time at Tennessee and was used primarily as a pass rusher and in coverage so he will need to put on more weight and continue developing as a block-shedder before he can be a consistent force against the run.

Last Word

James Pearce Jr. has the athleticism to play as a 3-4 pass rushing outside linebacker as well as the size and length to play on the line as 4-3 edge rusher. He projects best in a 3-4 scheme where he can use his speed on the outside to chase down plays and get to the quarterback. His physical traits will allow him to make an immediate impact on 3rd downs but if he can continue to develop, he can grow into an elite edge rusher in the NFL.

One-Liner: James Pearce Jr. has elite physical traits to develop into a dominant edge rusher in the pros but he needs to improve his change of direction, and block shedding before he can reach his full potential.

Grade: 6.7 (Solid Starter on All 3 Downs)

Games Watched: 2024 - Alabama, Oklahoma, Georgia

Team Fits: Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers