Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr. confirmed meeting with the San Francisco 49ers at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. When Sports Illustrated's Grant Cohn asked if he had met with the team, Pearce responded, "Yes, I met with the 49ers."
The draft prospect also stated he is "100% comfortable" playing with his hand in the dirt if an NFL team requires it.
Over his last two seasons at Tennessee, Pearce amassed 17.5 sacks and totaled 19.5 across three seasons. In 2024, he recorded 28 tackles (13 for a loss), 7.5 sacks, a pass defensed, and a forced fumble.
Pearce has earned a Pro Football Focus defensive grade of at least 87.1 in each of the past two seasons. He significantly improved his run-defense grade from 67.7 in 2023 to 84.1 in 2024.
As a pass rusher, Pearce posted a 91.9 Pro Football Focus pass-rushing grade in 2023 and an 89.4 in 2024. His 55 pressures last season tied for the 12th-most in the nation.
When asked what NFL teams will learn about him this week, Pearce responded, "That I'm a great player, great individual, and I want what's best for me and the team."
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