The Green Bay Packers have made the postseason in five of the past six years. During that span, Green Bay has only selected two Pro Bowlers, each coming from the 2019 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, the last time the Packers made a draft day deal surrounding a first-round pick? 2020, when landing the services of former Utah State Aggies standout Jordan Love. However, one Packers insider believes the NFC North club should trade up in the first round for a top defensive prospect.
On Thursday, Green Bay Packers insider Eli Berkovits applauded longtime Tennessee Volunteers defensive end James Pearce Jr. for his remarkable 4.47 40-yard dash time. With an early first-round grade, Berkovits wants Pearce to land with Green Bay, with the only likely possibility coming via a trade-up in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Tennessee Superstar Impresses Green Bay Packers Report
James Pearce Jr. is a top pass rusher in the 2025 NFL Draft | Jacob Kupferman/GettyImages
According to Eli Berkovits of the Packer Report:
James Pearce Jr. just ran a 4.47 40-yard dash.
Make this man a Packer.
On Thursday, former Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. ran a 4.47 40-yard dash, quickly the lowest time among edge rushers. Pearce also posted a 10-foot-3 broad jump, the seventh-best number among his position group. At six-foot-five, 245 pounds, Pearce is one of the most explosive edge rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft and projects as an early first-round pick.
Pearce, a two-time All-SEC defender, led the conference with ten sacks in 2023. Last year, he posted a career-best 38 tackles with 13 TFLs and 7.5 sacks. He finished his three-year stint with 71 tackles, 30 TFLs, and 19.5 sacks. A trade-up for Pearce Jr. by the Packers would mark their most significant draft day deal since trading for the 26th pick in 2020 (Jordan Love).
Packers Edge Rusher Group
Green Bay Packers defensive end Rashan Gary (52) and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (56) tackle New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (25) on Monday, December 23, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Saints 34-0.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Last season, the Green Bay Packers finished 8th in most sacks in the NFL. Meanwhile, opposing passers posted an 88.2 rating when facing the Packers. Former first-round pick Rashan Gary led the way with 7.5 sacks while earning his first Pro Bowl bid. Opposite Gary, Kingsley Enagbare had 4.5 sacks.