NFL analyst Brian Baldinger believes he's found the perfect first-round selection for the San Francisco 49ers—Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr.
The 49ers' defensive front has taken a hit this offseason, making the 2025 NFL Draft a prime opportunity to reload with younger, more cost-effective talent.
Pearce (6-5, 245) has been dominant over the past two seasons, racking up 17.5 sacks and 19.5 total across his three-year college career. In 2024, he tallied 38 tackles (13 for loss), 7.5 sacks, a pass defensed, and a forced fumble in 13 games, per Sports Reference.
Is Pearce the missing piece for defensive coordinator Robert Saleh's pass rush? Baldinger thinks so.
"I mean, he's 6-5 and a quarter, he's 245 pounds," Baldinger said via 95.7 The Game. "He ran a blistering 4.47 (40-time) at the Indianapolis Combine. And when you watch him, he's got speed off the edge. Then he's got suddenness, though, too. He can make you miss in space. He can stand up, he can go in a four-point stance."
.@BaldyNFL weighs in on what the #49ers should do with the No. 11 pick 👇
DE James Pearce Jr. pic.twitter.com/R8USTrSDw9
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Pearce's 4.47-second 40-yard dash was the fastest among edge rushers at the NFL Scouting Combine. He also posted a 31-inch vertical and a 10-foot-3 broad jump, showcasing elite athleticism.
"But the thing that he has, he can consistently collapse a pocket," Baldinger continued. "His speed to power, where he takes guys like [OT] Kadyn Proctor, that weigh 100 pounds more than him at Alabama, and walk him right back into the quarterback's lap."
Pearce has also drawn high marks from Pro Football Focus, solidifying his status as one of the top defenders in the 2025 draft class. He's earned a defensive grade of 87.1 or better in each of the past two seasons. His career-high 10 sacks in 2023 earned him a stellar 91.9 pass-rush grade, followed by a strong 89.4 mark in 2024.
"I think the 49ers have to get faster and more athletic on defense," Baldinger added. "And James Pierce Jr., with his speed and size, gives you size and speed and suddenness off the edge."
San Francisco owns 11 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, with their first selection coming at No. 11 overall.