With Robert Saleh again within the fold after his tenure with the New York Jets, the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive id is poised for a change. Saleh’s return indicators a possible shift in defensive philosophy—one that can probably affect their draft technique.
NFL analyst Brian Baldinger believes Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. may very well be the right 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, less expensive expertise into the roster.
“Whenever you watch him, he’s acquired pace off the sting. He could make you miss in area. He can rise up, he can go in a four-point stance. However the factor that he has, he can constantly collapse a pocket,” Baldinger stated, by way of 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 choose
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 actually 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 displaying clear vulnerabilities final season, Pearce may very well be the lacking piece that helps Saleh revitalize the cross rush.
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