Kurt Szymanski: James Pearce Jr. | DE | Tennessee
One of the Lions’ biggest needs heading into this draft is a defensive lineman to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. So, in the best-case scenario, should they remain at pick 28, they should go for James Pearce Jr. from Tennessee.
Although Pearce Jr. has the potential to go as high as an early first-round pick in this draft, he reportedly has some character concerns that have negatively impacted his draft stock, which is why the Lions have a shot at drafting him this late in the first round.
This all-too-familiar concern has cast a shadow on many potential first-round picks over the years. While it has certainly been true in some instances, it’s important to remember the examples of Laremy Tunsil and Jalen Carter.
Tunsil, a stud offensive lineman who went to Ole Miss, was slated to get drafted first overall by the Tennessee Titans to pair with quarterback Marcus Mariota. On draft day, a picture of Tunsil smoking out of a bong was released , which resulted in him getting drafted by the Miami Dolphins at pick 13 in the 2016 NFL draft.
Carter, an elite nose tackle coming out of Georgia, had serious potential to be a top-five pick in the 2023 NFL draft. However, before the draft, Carter got arrested on reckless driving charges that coincided with the death of one of his teammates, Devin Willcock.
Despite these concerns, Tunsil has been named to five Pro Bowls, starting in every NFL game he’s appeared in. On the other hand, Carter was a pivotal piece in the Eagles’ Super Bowl run this year, and he was named to his first Pro Bowl while also appearing on the all-pro second team.
It’s time for the Lions to take a risky swing in the draft, and Pearce Jr. fits that mold. If the Lions decide to take Pearce Jr. in this draft, I think he’d pair perfectly with Hutchinson, and he has the potential to reach double-sack figures later in his career.
Evan Blanchard: James Pearce Jr. | DE | Tennessee
I’ll take the space to say that I am nowhere near as knowledgeable as Kurt is as far as the draft board goes. It’s never been my forte to pour over draft boards and possible picks for the Lions.
However, I think it’s definitely fair to say that the Lions need more of a pass-rush presence alongside Hutchinson on the line. To my mind, a large part of the Lions’ loss to the Commanders was due to an inability to get any real pressure on Daniels without blitzing, which allowed Daniels to connect with his receivers downfield in single coverage.
There should be no urge or need to draft any offensive player. The team is stocked up and down with talent in all skill positions and on the line. I would love to get a solid, plug-and-play, NFL-ready defensive lineman, so I trust Kurt when he says James Pearce Jr. is the guy.
Check in with me when it’s time for the Pistons to make their draft choice.