With one game remaining in the 2024 college football season, many have already shifted their attention to the 2025 NFL Draft. For the Tennessee Volunteers, defensive star James Pearce Jr. is expected to be one of the early names announced when the first-round picks begin.

Pearce solidified his reputation as one of the nation’s top pass rushers throughout the season, becoming a key figure in Tennessee’s defense under coordinator Tim Banks and head coach Josh Heupel. His ability to consistently make game-changing plays made him an invaluable asset for the team.

As he prepares for his Tennessee Pro Day and the NFL Combine, analysts widely project Pearce as a solid Top 15 pick. CBS’ Mike Renner recently placed him at No. 11 overall to the San Francisco 49ers in a mock draft.

The 49ers’ defensive line struggled to maintain their previous Super Bowl caliber performance,” Renner explained. “James Pearce Jr. brings the explosive energy they’ve been lacking. He’s likely to excel at the NFL Scouting Combine and demonstrates solid run defense despite being slightly undersized.”

Renner projects Pearce as the third pass-rusher selected in the draft, with Penn State’s Abdul Carter at No. 2 to the Cleveland Browns and Georgia’s Mykel Williams going No. 9 to the Saints.

In his standout 2024 season, Pearce recorded 38 total tackles and 7.5 sacks. The previous year saw him notch 27 tackles and a career-high 9.5 sacks. Known for his relentless pursuit of quarterbacks, his transition to the NFL seems inevitable.

Given the 49ers’ defensive struggles in 2024, selecting Pearce would address a critical need for the team. Should they pass on him at No. 11, it’s unlikely he will remain available for long, as other teams are sure to seize the opportunity to add the talented pass-rusher to their roster.