Early in the year, Pearce was a player who was mentioned by some evaluators as a contender to be picked among the early selections in the draft. That buzz has curtailed somewhat, but he’s a pure rusher who is still expected to be a first-round pick.
The NFL Combine will be a big opportunity for Pearce to show off his traits and stake his claim at being the top rusher in the class. He appears incredibly explosive on film, blasting off the line of scrimmage when lining up wide of the offensive tackle. His first step is elite, and his speed-to-power transition makes him a dangerous threat for opposing quarterbacks.
Pearce recorded 55 pressures this season for the Volunteers and has the ability to be a high-level rusher with some development at the next level. His blend of length, bend, and raw athleticism makes him an intriguing prospect for teams in need of an edge presence. While he still needs to refine his hand usage and improve against the run, his upside is undeniable.
One team that has been linked to Pearce is the Detroit Lions, who are expected to be in the market for a pass rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson. Detroit’s defense showed significant improvement in 2024 but still lacked a consistent presence opposite Hutchinson. Adding Pearce could give the Lions a dynamic duo on the edge, creating nightmares for opposing offenses. His ability to disrupt plays in the backfield aligns with what head coach Dan Campbell and new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard seek in their defenders—relentless effort and explosiveness.
If Pearce impresses in pre-draft workouts and interviews, he could solidify himself as a top-15 selection, and Detroit may be an ideal landing spot for his skill set.
