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."
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.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers address key needs in 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft
In his latest three-round 2026 NFL mock draft for NFL.com, draft analyst Chad Reuter projects the San Francisco 49ers addressing some pressing offseason needs, of which there are several. Although San Francisco finished 12-5 and secured a playoff victory last season, the team... -
49ers will play Rams in first-ever NFL regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia
The San Francisco 49ers Will Face the Los Angeles Rams in 2026 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground MELBOURNE — The National Football League has announced that the San Francisco 49ers will play the Los Angeles Rams in the historic first-ever regular season game in Melbourne,... -
49ers predicted to add two edge rushers in free agency, bring back receiver
The 49ers could be active on both sides of the ball in free agency, according to a new set of projections. In a feature for FOX Sports, reporter Greg Auman predicted landing spots for several notable NFL free agents. Among the biggest questions for San Francisco is the future... -
Chris Simms details where the 49ers must improve this offseason
Despite an injury-plagued 2025 season, the San Francisco 49ers still managed to finish with 12 wins and added a playoff victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. The roster showed resilience throughout the year, consistently overcoming...