James Pearce Jr.: The Explosive Tennessee Edge Who Could Boost the Bengals at No. 17 in the NFL Draft

When the Cincinnati Bengals go on the clock with the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they’ll have several pressing needs to consider. Offensive line protection for Joe Burrow, additional weapons on offense, and secondary help will all be in the discussion. But there’s one intriguing name who could change the calculus entirely: Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr.

Pearce has emerged as one of the most dynamic and disruptive pass rushers in college football over the last two seasons. With an explosive first step, a relentless motor, and the kind of athletic upside that makes scouts salivate, he’s put himself in position to be a first-round pick and potentially a top-20 selection. If he falls to Cincinnati at 17, it could be a gift that defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and the Bengals’ front office can’t afford to pass up.

So who is James Pearce Jr., and why has he become one of the most discussed defensive prospects in this year’s draft?

Pearce came out of Chambers High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, as a late-blooming but high-upside four-star recruit. He was long, raw, and fast — the kind of edge prospect who was far from a finished product but showed flashes of what he could become with the right coaching and development. Tennessee took a chance on him, and that bet has paid off in a big way for both sides.

From the moment Pearce arrived in Knoxville, it was clear he possessed a rare blend of size and speed. Measuring 6-foot-5 and weighing around 245 pounds, he’s got the frame to play as a stand-up edge or a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end. But it’s his twitch and bend that really separate him from other players at his position. His ability to get low and flatten around the edge, coupled with a lightning-quick first step, has made him a nightmare for SEC tackles.

After seeing limited action as a freshman, Pearce broke out as a sophomore in 2023 with 9.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. But it was his junior season in 2024 that vaulted him into top-tier draft consideration. He finished the year with 12.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, and numerous pressures that don’t show up on the stat sheet but changed the outcome of plays and games. Week after week, Pearce dominated some of the best offensive linemen in college football and established himself as a force off the edge.

What stands out most when watching Pearce on tape is the way he wins in multiple ways. He’s not just a one-trick speed rusher. He has the flexibility and lower-body explosion to win with outside moves, the length and hand usage to counter inside, and enough power to bull-rush when needed. He has shown improved recognition in the run game and the ability to set a strong edge, even against bigger offensive linemen. He may not be the most polished run defender in the class, but the improvements from year to year show he’s a coachable, ascending talent.

Pearce also brings a high level of competitiveness and energy to the field. Coaches at Tennessee consistently praised his work ethic and his hunger to improve. He’s not a player who rested on his athletic gifts — he worked to refine his game, expand his pass rush repertoire, and become a more complete defender.

For NFL teams, edge rushers are among the most coveted assets. In today’s league, where passing reigns supreme, a premium is placed on defenders who can pressure the quarterback without needing to blitz. That’s why Pearce is expected to be high on many draft boards, and why he could be a fit for a team like Cincinnati that’s looking to add more juice to its front seven.

The Bengals have solid pieces on their defensive line, with Trey Hendrickson continuing to be a high-level pass rusher and Sam Hubbard providing strong play on the other side. But Hendrickson is now 30, and while Hubbard is a steady presence, he’s more of a power end than an explosive edge threat. Adding Pearce to that mix would give the Bengals a future star to groom while also potentially allowing them to move guys around more creatively. Pearce could be a designated pass rusher in Year 1 before stepping into a starting role by Year 2.

Cincinnati also has the benefit of stability on defense. Lou Anarumo is one of the league’s most respected defensive minds and has a track record of developing talent. Under his guidance, Pearce could thrive. The Bengals’ scheme would allow Pearce to play with his hand down or in a two-point stance, depending on matchup and situation. That flexibility suits his game perfectly.

Still, there are some reasons Pearce could be available at pick 17. While his athletic traits are undeniable, he’s not as experienced as some of the other top pass rushers in the class. Teams looking for immediate, high-floor contributors may opt for players who have started more games or played in more pro-style systems. Pearce also still needs to improve against the run and could be seen as more of a project than a plug-and-play starter by some front offices.

There’s also the question of scheme fit. Some teams run 3-4 systems that require edge players to drop into coverage more often, and while Pearce has the athleticism to do that occasionally, he’s best when allowed to hunt quarterbacks. That may narrow his suitors slightly, though it’s hard to imagine many defensive coordinators turning down a player with his ceiling.

If the Bengals go in another direction — perhaps looking for help at offensive tackle or in the secondary — it won’t be a shock. But passing on a high-upside edge rusher like Pearce might be the kind of decision they look back on with regret in a few years. There are only so many elite pass rushers available in any draft, and Pearce has the tools to be one of the next great ones.

Pearce’s performance at the NFL Combine only reinforced his first-round status. He ran an impressive 40-yard dash in the mid-4.5s, posted a broad jump over 10 feet, and looked fluid in position drills. His interviews reportedly went well, with teams noting his seriousness and intelligence when discussing scheme and technique. He’s not just an athlete — he understands how to apply his skills in the context of the game.

If the Bengals are thinking long-term and want to keep their defense dynamic and dangerous, Pearce makes a lot of sense. They’ve invested heavily in keeping Joe Burrow protected and surrounded by weapons, but defense still wins championships — and having a game-wrecker off the edge is one of the surest ways to tilt the field in your favor.

Pearce has drawn comparisons to players like Brian Burns and Josh Allen — long, lean pass rushers with elite burst who became immediate difference-makers in the NFL. It’s not a stretch to envision Pearce following a similar path, especially if he lands in a system that knows how to use him and gives him time to develop.

Cincinnati could be that system. They have the coaching, the culture, and the supporting cast to help Pearce reach his ceiling. And at pick 17, they may not get a chance at a player with a higher upside.

So when draft night arrives and the Bengals are on the clock, don’t be surprised if James Pearce Jr.’s name is in bold on their draft board. He may not be the “safe” pick, but he could be the right one — the kind of pick that changes the trajectory of a defense and gives Cincinnati a dangerous new weapon in its pursuit of a championship.