Where Tennessee Vols edge rusher James Pearce lands in early 2025 NFL mock draft

The 2024 NFL Draft is still ongoing, but that hasn't stopped 2025 NFL mock drafts from already popping up. 

On Friday, 247Sports revealed their latest 2025 NFL mock draft. 

And they have Tennessee Vols edge rusher James Pearce going to the Carolina Panthers with the No. 1 overall pick. 

Pearce is from Charlotte, so landing with the Panthers would be a homecoming for the Tennessee standout. 

From 247Sports: The Panthers are once again set to be the worst team in the NFL, and they can't catch a break as far as the quarterback cycle goes (frankly, they did it to themselves with what they traded last year to move up for Bryce Young). If the Panthers indeed are picking first here, then they probably have a quarterback issue, but nobody in 2025 profiles as good enough to go first overall. This would either be a trade-back or a spot for college football's best edge-rusher, James Pearce Jr.. of Tennessee. Pearce is actually from Charlotte, so this is a fun one for the Panthers and perhaps he can be their next Julius Peppers. 

Pearce led the SEC in sacks with 10 for his second season at Tennessee, adding 53 pressures. There are makings of a dominant pass-rusher here. 

Pearce could sit out the 2024 season (don't worry, that's not a scenario that's on the table) and he'd still be a first round selection in next year's draft. 

NFL scouts have likely already seen what they need to see from Pearce to know that they'd love to have him on their roster. The former four-star recruit has elite size and quickness. And he showed last season -- specifically during the Vols' win against Iowa in the Citrus Bowl -- that he has elite athleticism, too.