A top edge defender is selected by the Tennessee Titans in ESPN’s 2025 NFL mock draft.
This morning, ESPN’s esteemed NFL draft expert Matt Miller released his first mock draft for 2025. With the fourth overall pick, Miller projects the Titans will choose defensive end James Pearce Jr. of the Tennessee Volunteers.
The Football Power Index (FPI) on ESPN was used to determine the draft order. Thousands of simulations are used in this proprietary algorithm to forecast the 2024 NFL season. As the season approaches, mainstream media coverage of the Titans is still incredibly low.
Miller stated, “As a second-year starter, quarterback Will Levis has a prove-it season ahead of him, but the early returns were strong enough that we can put quarterbacks at the top of the draft for the time being.” Alternatively, the Titans may select an in-state kid who happens to be my preseason #1 overall pick. Pearce, who is 6-foot-5 and 242 pounds, has exceptional quickness around the edge; in the previous season, he picked up 9.5 sacks. Last season, he also demonstrated his versatility with a 52-yard pick-six. Pearce would be Harold Landry III’s first opponent.
Going into the 2024 season, the Titans have a good number of questions at the EDGE position. Arden Key and Harold Landry are scheduled to start. Key, who spent the previous season primarily as a rotational rusher, is expected to play a bigger part now.
In their wake come a number of inexperienced players. Off the bench, Rashad Weaver seems to be the preferred choice. Thomas Rush and Caleb Murphy, two second-year undrafted free agents, are trying to make the team. The team also includes UDFA Khalid Duke and rookie Jaylen Harrell from the seventh round.
In 2023, Pearce performed admirably for the Volunteers. With a classic pass-rushing skill set, the Charlotte, North Carolina native amassed 10.0 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss. Wearing two tones of blue, Pearce would look stunning next to Landry.
