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The edge position has been, arguably, the most popular position mocked to the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round across the board. One name at the position that has been extremely polarizing is James Pearce Jr. of Tennessee. Would he be a fit in Cincinnati? Should the Bengals consider him at No. 17?
Pearce ended up being one of the most productive pass-rushers in Tennessee history, as his 19.5 career sacks rank in the top 10 in school history, as noted by The Athletic's Dane Brugler in his Beast draft guide. His 10 sacks in 2023 led the SEC. He would bring explosiveness to the edge and immediately be part of a rotation behind Trey Hendrickson. He has room to grow in his game and the Bengals would look to tap into his potential.
RELATED: Bengals players who could get traded during 2025 NFL draft
After a 10-sack season in 2023, a number of the popular "way-too-early" mock drafts for 2025 had Pearce as the No. 1 overall pick. Pearce took a step back in 2024. Not that 7.5 sacks in bad, but he also left school with seemingly more questions than answers. Now there's talk he could fall out of the first round entirely. There's questions about his ability to set the edge against the run and word on his interview process was up and down.
Pearce may have potential to grow as a pass-rusher, but the Bengals likely need a more polished overall player if they're going to address edge at 17. Players like Mike Green, Mykel Williams or even Donovan Ezeiruaku may be a better fit with a top-20 pick. This would be a pick where you shrug your shoulders and say "ok, sure" but wonder if there would have been a better option.
RELATED: Bengals hosted one of NFL draft's most interesting QBs on visit
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals draft targets: Should James Pearce be the pick?
Continue reading...
Case for Pearce
Pearce ended up being one of the most productive pass-rushers in Tennessee history, as his 19.5 career sacks rank in the top 10 in school history, as noted by The Athletic's Dane Brugler in his Beast draft guide. His 10 sacks in 2023 led the SEC. He would bring explosiveness to the edge and immediately be part of a rotation behind Trey Hendrickson. He has room to grow in his game and the Bengals would look to tap into his potential.
RELATED: Bengals players who could get traded during 2025 NFL draft
Case against Pearce
After a 10-sack season in 2023, a number of the popular "way-too-early" mock drafts for 2025 had Pearce as the No. 1 overall pick. Pearce took a step back in 2024. Not that 7.5 sacks in bad, but he also left school with seemingly more questions than answers. Now there's talk he could fall out of the first round entirely. There's questions about his ability to set the edge against the run and word on his interview process was up and down.
The Verdict
Pearce may have potential to grow as a pass-rusher, but the Bengals likely need a more polished overall player if they're going to address edge at 17. Players like Mike Green, Mykel Williams or even Donovan Ezeiruaku may be a better fit with a top-20 pick. This would be a pick where you shrug your shoulders and say "ok, sure" but wonder if there would have been a better option.
RELATED: Bengals hosted one of NFL draft's most interesting QBs on visit
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals draft targets: Should James Pearce be the pick?
Continue reading...
