Which prospects make Mel Kiper Jr.'s updated top 25 rankings for the 2025 NFL draft? Who are the best players at every position?
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3. James Pearce Jr., OLB, Tennessee*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 243 | Prev. rank: 3
2024 stats through four games: 3 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, 1 run stop
Tennessee spent the early part of the season rolling its opponents, limiting Pearce to 56 snaps over the team's first three games. But Pearce -- who is coming off a 10-sack season in 2023 -- saw plenty of action in Week 5, picking up a half-sack. I see a lot of speed off the edge, and he does a nice job mixing up his pass-rush moves to keep offensive tackles on their heels. Pearce could still add weight to his frame. But even at 243 pounds, he shows the ability to win with power. And when asked to help in run defense, he has the quickness to make plays in lateral pursuit.