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NFL Draft 2025: Former Tennessee Edge James Pearce Jr. picked No. 26 overall in Round 1
By Andrew Olson
Published:
It has been a multi-year rollercoaster of a pre-draft process for James Pearce Jr., but the Tennessee Edge defender has a new home. With the 26th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons selected Pearce.
Pearce is the 48th first-round pick in Tennessee football history. He is the second first-round pick under Josh Heupel, after Darnell Wright was selected No. 10 overall in 2023. Pearce is the first Tennessee defender to go in Round 1 since Derek Barnett went No. 14 overall in 2017.
In 2023, Pearce had a breakout season. He recorded 28 tackles (18 solo), 14.5 tackles for a loss of 71 yards, 10 sacks for a loss of 59 yards, 16 QB hurries, 1 interception for a touchdown, 2 pass breakups and 2 forced fumbles. Pearce’s sophomore numbers led to hype that he would likely be one of the top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft following his junior season.
While Pearce did declare for the NFL Draft following his junior season, his draft stock went down. Pearce posted 38 total tackles, including 23 solo and 13 for loss, with 7.5 sacks and 10 QB hurries in his junior season at season. He generated 55 total pressures per PFF, second in the SEC and 12th among all FBS edge rushers.
In both 2023 and ’24, Pearce earned first-team All-SEC recognition. The Falcons are putting a premium on pass rushers, picking Pearce after previously drafting Georgia’s Jalon Walker.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
