Philadelphia Eagles fans are abuzz with excitement as the latest NFL mock draft suggests the team may select Tennessee standout James Pearce with the 32nd overall pick.
This move would bolster the Eagles’ defense, which is facing significant changes with key players like Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, and Brandon Graham heading into free agency ¹.
Pearce, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound edge rusher, has been making waves with his impressive performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. His 4.47-second 40-yard dash has scouts and analysts taking notice of his raw athleticism and explosiveness ¹.
The Tennessee defensive lineman’s collegiate career was marked by impressive stats, including 19.5 sacks across three seasons. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt the opposition’s offense has drawn comparisons to some of the top pass rushers in the league ¹.
NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein praises Pearce’s “explosive take-offs and good speed-to-power,” but notes that he lacks bend to flatten at the top. Despite this, Pearce’s high pressure rate and instinctive feel for positioning make him an attractive prospect for teams looking to bolster their pass rush ¹.
The Eagles, in particular, would benefit from Pearce’s skills. With Josh Sweat potentially leaving in free agency, Pearce could step in as a replacement and provide a similar level of production. His ability to contribute against the run would also be a valuable asset to the Eagles’ defense ².
While some scouts have raised concerns about Pearce’s weight, citing that he may need to add 10-20 pounds to compete with the league’s top pass rushers, his frame suggests that he has the potential to naturally add mass over the next few years ¹.
If the Eagles do select Pearce, they would be getting a developmental prospect with tremendous upside. With proper coaching and training, Pearce could become a dominant force on the edge, helping to replace some of the pass-rushing production the Eagles may lose in free agency ¹.
As the NFL draft approaches, Eagles fans will be keeping a close eye on Pearce’s progress. With his impressive combine performance and promising collegiate career, he’s certainly a player to watch. Could he be the key to unlocking the Eagles’ defense in 2025? Only time will tell ².
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