2025 NFL Draft - Tennessee EDGE James Pearce Jr.

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