James Pearce Jr. — NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

The Bengals have poured a ton of money into their offense, which means they're going to be overly reliable on young, cheap options on defense. Enter James Pearce Jr., who could serve as a secondary pass-rusher alongside Trey Hendrickson, or serve as his replacement.

The Commanders have been using the trade market to add to their offense, so they look to the draft to help bolster their defense. Pearce is all about speed and joins a team, defense and head coach that loves to emphasize it.

This is the position Washington needs most and the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year recorded 17.5 sacks and 27.5 tackles-for-loss over his final two seasons with the Vols. Washington GM Adam Peters values linemen with fast 10-yard splits and the sleek, 6-5 edge defender's 1.56 led all defensive ends at the combine. The rub: Character concern rumors seemingly hurt Pearce's draft stock and the 245-pounder needs more bulk to help bolster outside run lanes for the Commanders' 30th-ranked rushing defense. Trade-down attempts to replenish draft pick inventory failed. DE Nic Scourton is likely better for team chemistry and all-around fit, cornerback is another need area, and RB TreVeyon Henderson would be a blast paired with Jayden Daniels. Washington instead goes for the upside that's been lacking at the vital position since trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young at the 2023 trade deadline. — Ben Standig

The Cowboys can't pass on the scintillating talent of Pearce on the edge.

I don't think the Lions need a ton, making this a luxury selection, but the window to win titles in the NFL is small and the blueprint is specific. You need to be able to get to the QB. Pearce would help Aidan Hutchinson in a big way.

Pearce could be the answer opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Besides figuring out how to stay healthy, the second edge rush spot was the Lions' biggest question last season. They traded for Za'Darius Smith at midseason, and he ended up contributing with four sacks over eight games. But to get past their playoff hump, having a steadier presence rushing the passer on the other side of Hutchinson is key. Pearce had just 7.5 sacks in 2024, but his 19% pressure rate was second in the FBS. He keeps offensive tackles guessing with his burst and strength.

James Pearce Jr. has elite juice off the edge. That's something that can be a weapon without even a refined pass-rushing skillset in Todd Bowles scheme from Day 1.