With Robert Saleh again within the fold after his tenure with the New York Jets, the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive identification is poised for a change. Saleh’s return alerts a possible shift in defensive philosophy—one that may doubtless affect their draft technique.
NFL analyst Brian Baldinger believes Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. could possibly be the proper first-round choice for the rebuilding 49ers protection.
After dropping key items alongside their defensive entrance, the draft presents a golden alternative to infuse youthful, more cost effective expertise into the roster.
“Once you watch him, he’s received pace off the sting. He could make you miss in house. He can arise, he can go in a four-point stance. However the factor that he has, he can constantly collapse a pocket,” Baldinger stated, through 95.7 The Recreation. “His pace to energy, the place he takes guys like [OT] Kadyn Proctor, that weigh 100 kilos greater than him at Alabama, and stroll him proper again into the quarterback’s lap.”
.@BaldyNFL weighs in on what the #49ers ought to do with the No. 11 decide
DE James Pearce Jr. pic.twitter.com/R8USTrSDw9
— 95.7 The Recreation (@957thegame) April 14, 2025
Baldinger’s evaluation of Pearce comes with excessive reward for the prospect’s versatile talent set.
The numbers definitely again up Baldinger’s enthusiasm. At 6-5 and 245 kilos, Pearce has been a wrecking ball in faculty soccer, racking up 17.5 sacks over his final two seasons and 19.5 complete sacks throughout his three-year collegiate profession.
His 2024 marketing campaign showcased his all-around recreation with 38 tackles (13 for loss), 7.5 sacks, a cross defensed, and a pressured fumble throughout 13 video games.
Pearce additional enhanced his draft inventory on the NFL Scouting Mix, the place he clocked a blazing 4.47-second 40-yard sprint—the quickest time amongst all edge rushers.
His athletic prowess was on full show with a 31-inch vertical and 10-foot-3 broad soar, cementing his standing as one of many draft’s premier athletes.
With the San Francisco 49ers’ protection exhibiting clear vulnerabilities final season, Pearce could possibly be the lacking piece that helps Saleh revitalize the cross rush.
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