- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 417,657
- Reaction score
- 43
The Green Bay Packers hosted Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. on a pre-draft visit, according to a report from Packer Report that was confirmed by Packers on SI.
Pearce (6-5, 245) produced 52 pressures, 10.0 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss in 2023 and 55 pressures, 7.5 sacks and 13.0 tackles for loss in 2024. Last season, Pearce had a pass-rushing win rate of 23.0 percent, which ranked second-best among collegiate edge rushers, per PFF.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Pearce ran the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds (1.56-second 10-yard split), hit 31" in the vertical leap and covered 10-3 in the broad jump. His Relative Athletic Score -- without agility testing -- is 9.35 out of 10.0.
At 245 pounds, Pearce is a bit undersized for the Packers, who prefer bigger edge rushers. But he has terrific length and get-off at the position, giving him potential as a disruptive pass-rusher at the next level.
Pearce currently ranks as the No. 21 overall player on the consensus big board. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network ranks him as his No. 22 overall player.
From Jeremiah: "Pearce is a long, lean edge rusher. The Volunteers moved him around in their scheme and he created havoc from a variety of entry points. His first three steps are very explosive when he’s rushing off the edge. For such a lean-framed player, he can generate a lot of pocket push with his bull rush. When he’s used as a walk-around blitzer, he exposes the lack of athleticism along the interior of offensive lines. They clear the runway for him and he goes to work. His pressure rate stands out among his peers in this class. Against the run, he plays bigger than his weight would suggest. He sets a firm edge, especially against tight ends. Overall, Pearce has double-digit sack potential and should make an immediate impact in the league."
The Packers went into the offseason with a goal of improving the four-man pass-rushing unit. The first step was hiring DeMarcus Covington to coach the defensive line. The next step could be adding a developmental pass-rusher like Pearce early in the 2025 draft.
Pearce played only three seasons at Tennessee and is still only 21 years old.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers hosted pre-draft visit with Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr.
Continue reading...
Pearce (6-5, 245) produced 52 pressures, 10.0 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss in 2023 and 55 pressures, 7.5 sacks and 13.0 tackles for loss in 2024. Last season, Pearce had a pass-rushing win rate of 23.0 percent, which ranked second-best among collegiate edge rushers, per PFF.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Pearce ran the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds (1.56-second 10-yard split), hit 31" in the vertical leap and covered 10-3 in the broad jump. His Relative Athletic Score -- without agility testing -- is 9.35 out of 10.0.
At 245 pounds, Pearce is a bit undersized for the Packers, who prefer bigger edge rushers. But he has terrific length and get-off at the position, giving him potential as a disruptive pass-rusher at the next level.
Pearce currently ranks as the No. 21 overall player on the consensus big board. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network ranks him as his No. 22 overall player.
From Jeremiah: "Pearce is a long, lean edge rusher. The Volunteers moved him around in their scheme and he created havoc from a variety of entry points. His first three steps are very explosive when he’s rushing off the edge. For such a lean-framed player, he can generate a lot of pocket push with his bull rush. When he’s used as a walk-around blitzer, he exposes the lack of athleticism along the interior of offensive lines. They clear the runway for him and he goes to work. His pressure rate stands out among his peers in this class. Against the run, he plays bigger than his weight would suggest. He sets a firm edge, especially against tight ends. Overall, Pearce has double-digit sack potential and should make an immediate impact in the league."
The Packers went into the offseason with a goal of improving the four-man pass-rushing unit. The first step was hiring DeMarcus Covington to coach the defensive line. The next step could be adding a developmental pass-rusher like Pearce early in the 2025 draft.
Pearce played only three seasons at Tennessee and is still only 21 years old.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers hosted pre-draft visit with Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr.
Continue reading...
