With Robert Saleh back in the fold after his tenure with the New York Jets, the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive identity is poised for a transformation. Saleh’s return signals a potential shift in defensive philosophy—one that will likely influence their draft strategy.
NFL analyst Brian Baldinger believes Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. could be the perfect first-round selection for the rebuilding 49ers defense.
After losing key pieces along their defensive front, the draft presents a golden opportunity to infuse younger, more cost-effective talent into the roster.
“When you watch him, he’s got speed off the edge. He can make you miss in space. He can stand up, he can go in a four-point stance. But the thing that he has, he can consistently collapse a pocket,” Baldinger said, via 95.7 The Game. “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.”
.@BaldyNFL weighs in on what the #49ers should do with the No. 11 pick ?
DE James Pearce Jr. pic.twitter.com/R8USTrSDw9
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) April 14, 2025
Baldinger’s assessment of Pearce comes with high praise for the prospect’s versatile skill set.
The numbers certainly back up Baldinger’s enthusiasm. At 6-5 and 245 pounds, Pearce has been a wrecking ball in college football, racking up 17.5 sacks over his last two seasons and 19.5 total sacks during his three-year collegiate career.
His 2024 campaign showcased his all-around game with 38 tackles (13 for loss), 7.5 sacks, a pass defensed, and a forced fumble across 13 games.
Pearce further enhanced his draft stock at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he clocked a blazing 4.47-second 40-yard dash—the fastest time among all edge rushers.
His athletic prowess was on full display with a 31-inch vertical and 10-foot-3 broad jump, cementing his status as one of the draft’s premier athletes.
With the San Francisco 49ers’ defense showing clear vulnerabilities last season, Pearce could be the missing piece that helps Saleh revitalize the pass rush.
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