This offseason, the Green Bay Packers will need to address another glaring problem: defensive line. Green Bay struggled to generate a pass rush this season. This season, no player on the roster has recorded ten sacks. They finished 11-7, and the Green Bay Packers defense will need to improve in the trenches by 2025. Green Bay has to find someone this offseason who can go after the quarterback while also stopping the run.
Dairylandexpress.com Writer Brian Sampson believes that Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. could be a fit for the Green Bay Packers with the 23rd overall pick. With the Green Bay Packers holding the 23rd overall choice in the 2025 NFL Draft, dairylandexpress.com writer Brian Sampson writes about five probable players the Packers could select with that pick. Sampson mentioned Tennessee Volunteers defensive tackle James Pearce Jr. when making that selection.
It’d be surprising if he was still available at the conclusion of the first round. Sampson said: “If Mykel Williams isn’t available, James Pearce Jr. is an excellent alternative. The Tennessee edge rusher has been one of college football’s most prolific defenders in the last two seasons, with 21 sacks, 15 quarterback hits, and 71 hurries.
Pearce has the proper length to prosper in the Packers’ offense, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 243 pounds. His ability to win with speed and leverage makes him a formidable pass rusher. While his run defense is still developing, his tools suggest he has the ability to become a three-down defensive end.
Pearce’s blend of productivity and upside would address a clear need for Green Bay. With Gary and Van Ness in place, he wouldn’t have to carry the load alone, but he could give the Packers the edge-rushing juice they’ve been missing.” During the 2024 season, he recorded 38 tackles, 7.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one pass deflection. James Pearce Jr. is 6’5″ and weighs 243 lbs.
Scouting Report
According to NFLdraftbuzz.com’s scouting report on James Pearce Jr., his strengths include an elite first-step explosion off the edge that causes tackles to bail out of their stance, creating immediate advantages in pass rush situations. He also has remarkable bend and ankle flexion when turning the corner, consistently getting hip-to-hip with tackles before reducing his surface area to flatten to the QB. His weaknesses include:
“Currently lacks ideal play strength at the point of attack, sometimes getting displaced against more powerful offensive tackles in the run game and shows some inconsistency maintaining leverage when teams run directly at him, particularly against gap schemes with pulling guards.” The Green Bay Packers need defensive line help, and James Pearce Jr. of the Tennessee Volunteers would be a good decision with the 23rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, there is a higher likelihood that the Green Bay Packers will select a cornerback over a defensive lineman in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
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