James Pearce Jr., the standout former Tennessee defensive lineman, is generating plenty of buzz as the NFL draft approaches, with his mock draft projections taking fans on a rollercoaster ride. CBS Sports recently predicted that Pearce Jr. could land with the Washington Commanders as the 29th overall pick. Kyle Stackpole of CBS Sports highlighted the Commanders’ strategy, noting, “Washington did a great job filling their biggest needs via trades and in free agency, and now they address another one with their first draft pick.” He also emphasized Pearce Jr.’s impressive college stats, which include 28 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles over the past two seasons.
Pearce Jr.’s draft stock has been anything but predictable since the NFL Scouting Combine, where he turned heads with blazing 40-yard dash times of 4.50 and 4.47 seconds. His athleticism and production have made him a hot topic among analysts, but his projected landing spots have varied widely. Draft Wire initially had him going to the Dallas Cowboys at No. 12 overall shortly after the combine. However, in a later update, they shifted him to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 19. Most recently, after Tennessee’s pro day, Draft Wire projected him to fall to the Philadelphia Eagles with the final pick of the first round.
As the draft nears, Pearce Jr.’s journey is a reminder of how fluid the process can be. Wherever he ends up, his combination of speed, power, and production suggests he could make an immediate impact in the NFL. Fans will be eagerly watching to see which team ultimately calls his name.
