Philadelphia Eagles Draft Tennessee’s James Pearce in Latest NFL Mock Draft

The NFL Draft is one of the most exciting and highly anticipated events on the professional football calendar, and for Philadelphia Eagles fans, this year’s draft promises to be especially intriguing. Coming off a remarkable 2024 season that saw the Eagles reach the NFC Championship game, the team is in a unique position to further strengthen their roster for the upcoming season. With a championship window wide open, the Eagles have the opportunity to continue building for both the present and the future.

In the latest NFL mock draft, the Eagles are poised to select James Pearce, a standout edge rusher from the University of Tennessee. Pearce, known for his raw athleticism, explosiveness, and potential, fits the Eagles’ needs in multiple areas, and this selection could be the move that propels their defense to the next level. Pearce, a player who had an impressive college career, brings both immediate impact potential and long-term upside that aligns well with the Eagles’ philosophy.

This article explores the significance of Pearce’s potential fit with the Eagles, why they should target him in the draft, and what his addition could mean for the team in both the short and long term.

James Pearce: A Breakdown of the Player

Before diving into how Pearce fits with the Philadelphia Eagles, it’s important to first understand who he is as a player and why he’s so highly regarded in the draft.

Background and College Career

James Pearce, a native of South Carolina, made a major impact on the University of Tennessee’s defense during his time in Knoxville. Standing 6’5″ and weighing 255 pounds, Pearce has the ideal frame for an NFL edge rusher. His combination of size, speed, and strength gives him the versatility to play both in a 4-3 and 3-4 defensive scheme. Over the course of his college career, Pearce became one of the most disruptive defensive players in the SEC.

In his final season with the Volunteers, Pearce recorded 11 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt the opposition’s offensive rhythm was evident, and he developed into one of the premier edge rushers in the nation. Pearce’s explosive first step off the line, combined with his speed around the edge, made him a nightmare for opposing offensive tackles. But it wasn’t just his pass-rushing ability that stood out; Pearce’s hustle and effort against the run were equally impressive. His ability to set the edge and be a force in both the passing and running game elevated his stock among NFL scouts.

What makes Pearce particularly intriguing is his untapped potential. Though he was highly productive at Tennessee, scouts believe his ceiling is even higher, given his natural athleticism and room for growth. Pearce still has areas of his game to refine, particularly in terms of pass-rushing technique and consistency, but his physical tools make him one of the most exciting defensive prospects in the draft.

The Philadelphia Eagles: A Team on the Rise

The Philadelphia Eagles, under head coach Nick Sirianni and general manager Howie Roseman, have become one of the most well-rounded and balanced teams in the NFL. In 2024, the Eagles boasted one of the most formidable offenses in the league, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts and a supporting cast of playmakers. However, it was their defense, ranked near the top of the league, that allowed them to make a deep playoff run.

Key players like defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, linebacker Haason Reddick, and cornerback Darius Slay led the defense in 2024, and the team’s ability to generate pressure with their front four was a critical aspect of their success. However, with Cox aging and the potential for significant changes to the defensive front, adding a young and dynamic edge rusher like Pearce could provide a key piece to sustain the Eagles’ dominance on defense.

The Need for an Edge Rusher

The Eagles’ defense has been built around generating pressure up front with a dominant defensive line. However, while they have a solid group of pass rushers, the team could benefit from adding a dynamic young edge rusher who can consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Haason Reddick has been a force off the edge, and Josh Sweat has developed into a dependable pass rusher, but the Eagles lack a true backup to Reddick and a future replacement for the aging Cox.

In addition to the need for another edge rusher, the Eagles are also facing potential changes to their defensive line depth. As previously mentioned, Fletcher Cox is on the back end of his career, and while he continues to be effective, his time in the NFL is coming to an end. The Eagles also face potential departures in free agency, so adding an impactful player like Pearce would serve as a long-term investment in the defense’s ability to continue producing at a high level.

As the Eagles continue to build for sustained success, bringing in a high-upside player like Pearce would allow them to develop a future star on the defensive line while maintaining a competitive edge immediately. Pearce’s ability to step in and provide an immediate impact while continuing to grow and refine his skills makes him an ideal candidate for a team like the Eagles, who have a championship window that they are looking to maximize.

How James Pearce Fits with the Eagles

James Pearce’s potential fit with the Philadelphia Eagles is excellent, both for the short-term and long-term outlook of the team. Here’s how he could make an immediate impact on the Eagles’ defense:

1. Pass Rush Depth

One of the primary reasons the Eagles would target Pearce in the draft is to bolster their pass rush depth. The Eagles’ defense, led by their front four, thrives on pressuring the quarterback. Pearce, with his explosive first step and ability to bend around the edge, is an ideal fit for this role. His addition would give the Eagles another option opposite Reddick, who is known for his ability to wreak havoc as a pass rusher. Pearce’s presence would allow Reddick to stay fresh throughout the game, ensuring the Eagles have a relentless pass-rushing unit from start to finish.

Pearce’s skill set as an edge rusher makes him a natural fit for the Eagles’ defensive scheme, which often relies on getting after the quarterback with a four-man rush. His burst and bend around the edge would allow him to contribute immediately in obvious passing situations, and his development as a pass rusher could lead to him becoming a long-term fixture on the defensive line.

2. Development into a Three-Down Player

In addition to his ability to rush the passer, Pearce’s ability to contribute against the run makes him a strong candidate for becoming a three-down player in the NFL. The Eagles are known for their ability to stop the run with their defensive line, and Pearce’s size, strength, and motor make him well-suited to contribute in that phase of the game.

While Pearce still needs to refine his technique in setting the edge and handling offensive tackles in the run game, his natural physical tools give him a solid foundation to develop into a well-rounded defender. As he continues to grow and learn under the tutelage of veteran coaches and players in Philadelphia, Pearce could emerge as a key player in both the pass-rush and run-defense aspects of the game.

3. Long-Term Investment

The Eagles are a team that is looking ahead to the future while still competing for championships now. Pearce is a player who offers both immediate impact and long-term potential. His ability to contribute right away would allow the Eagles to maintain their defensive dominance while also ensuring they have a high-ceiling player to develop over time.

Additionally, Pearce’s development would help the Eagles transition when veteran players like Cox begin to wind down their careers. The ability to draft Pearce would give them a future cornerstone on the defensive line and help maintain the strength of the defense for years to come.

A Perfect Fit for the Eagles

James Pearce’s combination of physical tools, versatility, and untapped potential makes him a perfect fit for the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2025 NFL Draft. With the Eagles looking to maintain their position as one of the top teams in the NFC, Pearce provides an opportunity to strengthen the defensive line with a dynamic edge rusher who can make an immediate impact while also developing into a key player for the future.

The Eagles have a championship window that they are intent on maximizing, and adding a player like Pearce could further solidify their defense as one of the most feared units in the league. Whether it’s adding depth to the pass rush, contributing against the run, or developing into a cornerstone of the defense, Pearce’s skill set aligns perfectly with what the Eagles need to continue competing for championships.

In what promises to be another thrilling NFL Draft, James Pearce stands as one of the top edge rushers available, and for the Philadelphia Eagles, his selection could be the final piece of the puzzle that propels them back to the top of the NFL.