James Pearce Jr. – Edge Rusher

James Pearce Jr. was one of the most talked-about Tennessee Vols at the NFL Scouting Combine, particularly due to his performance in drills and physical measurements. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 240 pounds, Pearce’s athleticism was on full display, and it’s no surprise that NFL scouts are taking a close look at him as a potential early-round draft pick.

During the Combine, Pearce showcased his speed and explosiveness, running an impressive 4.47-second 40-yard dash. This time is fast for a player of his size, signaling his ability to be a disruptive force on the edge at the next level. Pearce’s agility and quickness in the 3-cone drill and shuttle drills also stood out, showing that he has the fluidity and burst to get after quarterbacks. His performance was closely analyzed by scouts from teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, who have shown interest in his pass-rushing potential.

However, while Pearce’s athleticism is clear, some concerns still exist about his technical skills. His pass-rushing technique, while impressive in flashes, could use more refinement. He’ll need to develop a more diverse repertoire of moves to consistently win against top-tier NFL tackles. His ability to set the edge in the running game also needs work, as he can sometimes struggle to disengage from blockers in the trenches. These are areas he’ll likely continue to develop through coaching at the next level.

That said, Pearce’s explosive athleticism, coupled with his track record of 17.5 sacks and 28 tackles for loss in just two seasons at Tennessee, makes him one of the more intriguing edge rusher prospects in the draft class. His Combine performance certainly elevated his stock.

Elijah Simmons – Defensive Tackle

Elijah Simmons, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 334 pounds, entered the Combine with high expectations. The big man had a strong college career, accumulating 59 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, and three pass breakups in 55 career games for the Volunteers. However, Simmons is known more for his size and power than for his speed, and his performance at the Combine highlighted his unique blend of mass and mobility.

One of the more significant moments of Simmons’ Combine was his 5.37-second 40-yard dash. While that time may not stand out for some players, for a 334-pound defensive tackle, it was an impressive feat of agility. His size coupled with his surprising quickness gives NFL teams a lot to think about. While Simmons might not have the edge rusher explosiveness of Pearce, he certainly has the size and power to clog up running lanes and potentially contribute to a team’s defensive line rotation as a run-stuffer.

Scouts are also paying close attention to his ability to develop as a pass rusher. While he isn’t necessarily known for getting to the quarterback regularly, his size and strength make him an intriguing prospect in certain defensive schemes, especially for teams that prioritize stopping the run. Simmons’ Combine performance solidified his place as a potential Day 3 pick in the draft, but he’ll need to continue to refine his technique to increase his value on passing downs.

Bru McCoy – Wide Receiver

Bru McCoy, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound wide receiver, entered the NFL Scouting Combine with high expectations after an impressive career at Tennessee. McCoy is known for his size, physicality, and ability to make contested catches. At the Combine, he participated in the drills and impressed scouts with his hands and catching ability. While his 40-yard dash time and other metrics were solid, McCoy’s true value lies in his ability to make plays in the air and use his size to shield defenders.

One of McCoy’s standout traits is his toughness, both mentally and physically. Throughout his time at Tennessee, he made crucial catches in key moments, including his ability to gain separation in contested situations. While his straight-line speed isn’t as impressive as some of the other receivers in the draft class, McCoy has solid quickness and fluidity in his routes. His hands and ability to track the ball in the air will likely earn him a spot in an NFL offense, even if he’s not the most electrifying receiver in terms of speed.

McCoy’s Combine interview sessions also indicated that he’s a high-character player with a good head on his shoulders. He should be able to contribute early in his career, especially in a system that values physical wide receivers who can make plays in short-to-intermediate ranges.

Dont’e Thornton Jr. – Wide Receiver

Dont’e Thornton Jr., another wide receiver representing Tennessee, had his opportunity to shine at the Combine as well. Thornton, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 210 pounds, is a long, athletic receiver with excellent speed. In fact, he posted one of the better 40-yard dash times among receivers at the Combine, clocking in at an impressive 4.43 seconds. His speed and height make him an intriguing prospect, especially for teams that are looking for a vertical threat.

Thornton is a player who can stretch the field, and his long strides make him a dangerous weapon on deep routes. However, like many taller receivers, there are questions about his ability to create separation at all levels of the field. His route running and technical skills will need to improve if he’s going to excel in a pro-style offense, as he can sometimes struggle with separation from tight coverage. Still, Thornton’s physical tools make him an interesting developmental prospect.

His Combine interview sessions revealed a player who is eager to improve his game and has a good understanding of what it takes to transition to the NFL. His mix of size, speed, and potential to develop into a deep threat makes him a Day 3 pick to watch.

Omarr Norman-Lott – Defensive Tackle

Omarr Norman-Lott, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 308 pounds, brought his toughness and physicality to the NFL Scouting Combine, participating in several drills and impressing scouts with his solid all-around ability. Norman-Lott is a player who can line up on both the interior of the defensive line or as a versatile defensive tackle who can move around the front. He’s not a premier pass rusher like some of the edge rushers in the draft, but he’s effective against the run and shows an ability to collapse the pocket.

Norman-Lott’s best traits are his quickness and strength. He’s able to get low and use his body to overpower offensive linemen. However, his Combine performance was more about confirming what scouts already knew about him—he’s a solid, physical interior defender who is going to need to continue working on his pass-rushing technique in order to make an impact at the next level.

Norman-Lott may not go in the first few rounds of the draft, but he’s the type of player who could develop into a solid role player on an NFL defense.

Dylan Sampson – Running Back

Dylan Sampson, while not as well-known as some of his fellow Vols, had an excellent showing at the Combine. Standing 5-foot-9 and weighing 204 pounds, Sampson is known for his speed, vision, and ability to break tackles in the open field. He ran a strong 40-yard dash, showcasing his speed, and impressed scouts with his quick feet and ability to change directions smoothly in agility drills.

Sampson’s physical tools and game tape make him an intriguing developmental back for teams in need of a rotational player who can contribute immediately on special teams and potentially as a change-of-pace back. He’s not likely to be a starting running back in the NFL right away, but his ability to make plays with the ball in his hands will earn him a place on a roster.

Overall Impressions

The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine offered a chance for Tennessee Volunteers players to showcase their talents and for scouts to make evaluations ahead of the NFL Draft. For James Pearce Jr., Elijah Simmons, Bru McCoy, Dont’e Thornton Jr., Omarr Norman-Lott, and Dylan Sampson, the Combine was an opportunity to elevate their profiles and demonstrate their worth to potential NFL teams.

While not all of them will go in the early rounds of the draft, there is a lot of raw talent among the group, and many of them could carve out meaningful roles in the NFL. Pearce and Thornton, in particular, look like they have the highest ceilings, but each of the players mentioned above brings something valuable to the table.