One of the players more commonly projected to the Detroit Lions in the first round as we approach April, Tennessee EDGE James Pearce could be a solution for the team's need at the position. Yet Pearce also carries some questions that might not make him the best fit despite having considerable promise as a pass rusher.
James Pearce, EDGE, Tennessee
- 6-foot-5, 245 pounds (Measured at the NFL Scouting Combine)
- 39 career games at Tennessee, where he totaled 19.5 sacks, 44 solo tackles, 29.5 TFLs, 3 forced fumbles and a pick-six
- 2-time All-SEC first-team defensive lineman
- 21 years old, turns 22 in October
Games watched: NC State, Oklahoma, Alabama (2023 and 2024), Georgia (2023 and 2024), Ohio State
Positives
- He's a burst of lightning off the snap and covers a lot of ground with his first step
- Good with his hands and shoulders to shed two-handed blocks
- Very fast closing burst
- Pretty effective snap anticipation in the pass rush
- Can set up pass rush moves and mix up his attack to keep blockers from getting into a groove
- Abuses tackles who short-set him with his burst and speed
- Good at not overshooting the point of attack, has impressive body control at full speed
- Doesn't give away his attack path or twists/loops with his alignment and initial movement
Negatives
- Short arms (32.