Tennessee Vols' James Pearce, Jr. projected to join another Tennessee great in recent mock draft

Former Tennessee Vol standout Alvin Kamara has made a name for himself as one of the best players in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints.  

According to A to Z Sports' Ryan Roberts, a current Vol could make a lot of sense to join Kamara in the Big Easy next year. 

Roberts posted his most recent mock draft this week, and he projects Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce, Jr. to go to the Saints with the 10th pick. 

Roberts had the following to say about Kamara: 

The Saints need to find a partner in crime for Carl Granderson, and Pearce brings the perfect complement to his power profile. Pearce is long, explosive, and bendy. There’s a legitimate chance he ends up developing into the best pass rusher in the class.

Of course, we're in Week 12 of the 2024 season and we don't know yet where the Saints will pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.  That will depend on how the rest of the season plays out. 

However, the Saints' pass rush has been mediocre this year and edge rush should be an area that New Orleans has among its draft needs this offseason.  Finding a rookie with upside to develop into a star is something that should be of significant interest to the Saints.  Pearce has followed up last year's breakout season by showcasing an impressive pressure rate of 21.8% through 10 games in 2024. 

Again, there's a lot of time and draft position movement to still play out.  However, Roberts' logic is sound about the connection between Pearce and New Orleans.  And Pearce joining forces with Kamara and former Tennessee CB Alontae Taylor would surely make the Saints a team that Vol fans would have a lot of interest in watching on Sundays next season.