A few weeks ago in the Hot Press, we reported how some team sources said that Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. was in danger of getting dropped off some draft boards. In that Hot Press, here was what one executive said about him.
“He’s in danger of getting dropped off our board,” said the director of player personnel for an AFC playoff team. “Granted, we are a strict team in terms of character, but we have a lot of concerns, and I think he probably isn’t a fit for us.”
In following up with some team sources elsewhere, other teams have a similar feeling. In fact, one team that needs edge rush help and is picking in the top 16 has dropped Pearce off the board, according to team sources. The 6-foot-5, 245-pounder had an electric 40-yard dash time of 4.47 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine. Plus, he also has multiple seasons of showing dynamic pass-rush ability in the SEC and teams like him as a player. That 40 time could cause teams to give him some more consideration, but sources across the league say there are significant character concerns, and Pearce is in danger of getting dropped off numerous boards.
