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Tennessee football's James Pearce projected to stay in-state in 2025 NFL Draft

By Colton Pickard

Sep 2, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Tony Muskett (11) is sacked by Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. (27) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Tony Muskett (11) is sacked by Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. (27) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports / Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
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Tennessee football edge rusher James Pearce Jr is one of the top players in college football this season. He's been projected as high as the No. 1 overall draft pick and remains in the top five in ESPN's most recent 2025 NFL Mock Draft. 

NFL Draft Analyst Matt Miller released his updated 2025 mock draft, and the Vols edge rusher is projected to stay in-state in next year's draft. 

Miller projects the Tennessee Titans to draft Pearce at No. 4 overall. This is a telling prediction about how the Titans' 2024 season might go in year two of the Will Levis era and the hype surrounding Pearce as we inch closer to the first week of the 2024 season. 

"This is a prove-it season for quarterback Will Levis as a second-year starter, but the early returns were good enough that we can forget about quarterbacks at the top of the draft for now," Miller writes. "Instead, the Titans could land my preseason No. 1 overall player -- and an in-state prospect. At 6-foot-5 and 242 pounds, Pearce has special quickness around the edge, picking up 9.5 sacks last season. He also flashed his all-around game with a 52-yard pick-six last season. Pearce would be an instant boost opposite Harold Landry III."

Pearce is the only Vol projected to be drafted in the first round of next year's draft ahead of the 2024 season. Tennessee will have numerous seniors and draft-eligible players as key players this year. 

The Vols could also see Dont'e Thornton Jr, Cooper Mays, Keenan Pili, and John Campbell climb up the draft board throughout the season. 

Will the Vols have another first-round draft pick in next year's draft? Tennessee's season starts on August 31 against Chattanooga in Neyland Stadium, and open SEC play on September 21 at Oklahoma.

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