What James Pearce Jr. Needs to Prove at the NFL Combine to Boost His Draft Stock.
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes are on Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. Regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in this year’s draft class, Pearce has the potential to hear his name called early in the first round. However, the NFL Combine presents a critical opportunity for him to solidify his stock and even climb higher on draft boards.
A Look at His College Performance
Pearce has been a dominant force for the Tennessee Volunteers, showcasing exceptional speed, explosiveness, and versatility off the edge. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses with a relentless motor and natural pass-rushing instincts has made him a nightmare for quarterbacks. However, while his game tape speaks volumes, NFL teams want to see measurable proof of his athleticism, strength, and football IQ at the Combine.
Key Areas to Impress at the Combine
To maximize his draft stock, Pearce must excel in several key testing areas at the NFL Combine. Scouts and general managers will scrutinize his performance in the following categories:
1. 40-Yard Dash
Speed off the edge is a crucial attribute for an elite pass rusher. If Pearce can post an impressive 40-yard dash time—ideally in the sub-4.6-second range—he will further prove his explosiveness and ability to close gaps quickly. A strong time will demonstrate that he can chase down quarterbacks and ball carriers at the next level.
2. Bench Press
While speed and agility are vital, strength is just as important for an edge rusher who will have to battle massive offensive linemen in the NFL. A solid showing in the bench press, ideally 20 or more reps of 225 pounds, will affirm that Pearce possesses the upper-body strength needed to shed blocks and anchor against the run.
3. Three-Cone Drill & Short Shuttle
These agility drills are essential for assessing a pass rusher’s ability to bend around the edge and change direction quickly. If Pearce can perform well in these tests, he will showcase his ability to move laterally with ease and react swiftly to offensive linemen’s adjustments.
4. Vertical & Broad Jump
Explosiveness is a key trait for a pass rusher, and the vertical and broad jump measurements are indicators of lower-body power. A high vertical leap and broad jump will reinforce Pearce’s ability to explode off the line of scrimmage and generate momentum in his pass rush moves.
5. Interviews & Football IQ
The physical tests are crucial, but teams will also pay close attention to Pearce’s performance in interviews. They want to gauge his understanding of defensive schemes, ability to break down plays, and overall football intelligence. A strong showing in team meetings could convince franchises that he is not only an athletic specimen but also a student of the game.
