The Detroit Lions are eyeing a significant boost to their pass rush in the upcoming NFL draft, particularly targeting Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. Renowned analyst Mel Kiper Jr. highlighted Pearce's potential, suggesting he could be selected by the Lions, possibly in the first round. Despite a strong start to his collegiate career, Pearce's performance dipped during his junior year, leading to mixed projections about his draft stock.

Pearce, a two-time All-SEC selection, has notable traits, including a swift 40-yard dash time of 4.47 seconds, but his 19.5 career sacks might not fully reflect his disruptive abilities. The Lions, coming off a season with injuries hampering their edge rushers, such as Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport, are keen to enhance their defensive line. The draft is filled with promising defensive talent, and Pearce's unique skill set makes him an attractive option for the Lions as they seek to improve their sack percentage.