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Watch: James Pearce runs unofficial 4.47 in the 40 ... while wearing a hoodie

IMG_3593by: Grant Ramey02/27/25GrantRamey
NFL Network
NFL Network

Elite speed was on display Thursday at the NFL Scouting Combine when Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce ran an unofficial 4.47-second 40-yard dash … while wearing a hoodie.

Pearce’s first attempt was a 4.50. He improved to 4.47 on his second attempt

Pearce’s 4.50 time was in the 96th percentile, according to Pro Football Focus NFL Draft analyst Trevor Sikkema and his 10-yard time of 1.58 was in the 98th percentile. Pearce’s time was the fastest among defensive ends at the Combine.

James Pearce: 17.5 sacks, 28 TFLs over last two seasons

Pearce last season had 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss in 13 games, finishing strong after having just 0.5 tackles for loss and no sacks through Tennessee’s first three games of the season. 

Over the last two years, Pearce has combined for 17.5 sacks and 28 tackles for loss, with 66 tackles and one interception returned for a touchdown. He played in 39 games in three seasons with the Vols, recording 19.5 sacks, 30 tackles for loss and 71 tackles. 

“I see a lot of speed off the edge,” longtime ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. wrote of Pearce in December, “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.”

Kiper did not have Pearce projected to be a first-round pick in his latest mock draft. Kiper ranked him sixth among outside linebackers on his NFL Draft Big Board.

The hype over Pearce’s draft stock peaked in April, when Pro Football Focus named him a possible No. 1 pick. He was coming off a breakout sophomore season in which he had 10.0 sacks, 15 tackles for loss and 28 sacks in 13 games.

NFL.com‘s Combine profile for Pearce has him with a 6.40 grade, which comes with a description of “will become good starter within two years.”

NFL.com Prospect Profile: James Pearce 

Lance Zierlein: Pearce is a tight-hipped, linear pass rusher with explosive take-offs and good speed-to-power but a lack of bend to flatten at the top. His high pressure rate is partially derived from an instinctive feel for positioning, allowing him to work around protection for quick wins into the pocket. He’s very long but narrow through his hips, so the build-out of his frame might be limited. Pearce knows how to play around blocks and has the speed to close and tackle, but his base is naturally narrow and lacks bend. He’ll need to improve his strength and technique as an NFL run defender. Despite those concerns, Pearce’s length, twitch and rush production create a higher ceiling.

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