James Pearce Jr. NFL Combine Measurements, 40 Time, Bench Press, & Draft Prediction

James Pearce Jr. is coming off of a three-year stint with the University of Tennessee, and is projected to be one of the top players at his position in the NFL Draft Class of 2025. How did he perform at the Combine this year? His results were mostly mixed.

James Pearce Jr. Prospect Profile

After a productive pass rushing career at the University of Tennessee, James Pearce Jr. hopes to be one of the defensive linemen that is selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He notched 7.5 sacks in 2024 and was tied for the lead in the SEC the year prior with 10, making him one of the top edge prospects coming into this year’s selection process. He was 5th in the conference in tackles for loss.

One of the knocks on his draft status and potential in the NFL is his size. He is described as naturally gifted, with long arms and impressive athleticism that make him stand out. But his physical frame has been brought into question, with scouts saying that he’ll need to fill out and grow in order to be consistent and successful at the next level. He is listed at 6’5” and weighs in at 245 lbs.

2025 NFL Combine Results

Pearce Jr. participated in a handful of the physical measuring events during the 2025 Combine. Thursday was the day that defensive linemen and linebackers were on display, and Pearce Jr. made good in the limited events that he did engage in.

40-Yard Dash

His 40-yard dash time was perhaps the most impressive. Pearce finished the event in 4.47 seconds, the best of any edge rusher who took part, and the second-best if you include the linebackers that ran. It is a better result than current NFL players like Haason Reddick, Josh Sweat, or Jadeveon Clowny have produced in year’s past.

Broad Jump/Vertical Jump

Pearce Jr.’s broad jump of 10’3” ranked 7th among this year’s edge rushers, but his vertical was less impressive at 31” (18th out of 21 participants).

Bench Press

He did not participate in the bench press drills, leaving even more questions about his strength and ability to fill out his frame.

Physical Measurements:

• Height: 6’5”
• Weight: 245 lbs
• Arm: 32 ¾
• Hand: 10”

James Pearce Jr.’s NFL Draft Prediction:

Most mock drafts have him pegged to be selected in the latter part of the first round, somewhere between the 22nd and 27th spots. Some don’t have him being picked until early in the second round.

We think there is a good chance that an NFL team in the first round will take a chance on his upside despite any current physical limitations.

Prediction: 28th Overall Pick – Detroit Lions