2025 NFL Draft prospects: An early look at where James Pearce may land

Three Tennessee players were selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, but the Vols could produce one of their largest draft classes in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Running back Jaylen Wright, quarterback Joe Milton and cornerback Kamal Hadden were picked on Saturday. Most of next year’s draft class will feature players who utilized an extra season of eligibility because of a COVID-exempt year.

Tennessee 2025 NFL Draft prospects

Most of the Vols’ offensive and defensive lines will be draft prospects. That level of talent should excite UT fans this season but concern them for the 2025 season. Nevertheless, the 2025 NFL Draft could be notable for the Vols.

Here are the UT players with the best chance of being drafted next year, although some likely will project as undrafted free agents by 2025.

James Pearce, Edge, junior

Pearce has been a popular pick as a top-10 selection in early mock drafts and for good reasons. Lightning-quick pass rushers are coveted, especially those with enough power to also stop the run and versatility to drop into coverage.

The 6-foot-5, 242-pound Pearce checks all those boxes. That was evident during his performance in the Citrus Bowl, when he had two sacks, a forced fumble and 52-yard interception return for a touchdown.

If he can put together more performances like that, Pearce should go high in the first round.

Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, senior

It’s hard to find instinctive pass-rushers on the interior defensive line. But Norman-Lott has a rare combination of size (6-3, 307), explosiveness and a slippery style that NFL scouts like.

Norman-Lott can help his stock by creating havoc on UT’s third-down pass-rush package.

Bru McCoy, WR, fifth-year senior

If McCoy hadn’t suffered a serious ankle injury last season, he likely would’ve been selected in the 2024 draft. How effective McCoy is in his return will determine if he’s drafted in 2025.

McCoy doesn’t have blazing speed. But if healthy, he has the right size (6-3, 220), strength and sure hands that often yield a long NFL career.

Bryson Eason, DL, senior

Eason sometimes gets lost in the shuffle in UT’s experienced defensive line. But he may have the most NFL upside of any of his linemates except Pearce.

The 6-3, 300-pound Eason appeared to turn the corner last season with five tackles-for-loss and four quarterback hurries. But he needs to take another large step in 2024, especially by becoming a more consistent run-stopper.

Cooper Mays, OL, fifth-year senior

Mays can play center or possibly guard, although his size (6-4, 310) could be a drawback at the latter position. His football IQ and management of UT’s up-tempo offense are big pluses.

His older brother, former UT offensive lineman Cade Mays, is entering his third season with the Carolina Panthers. That pedigree is also a positive.

Javontez Spraggins, OL, fifth-year senior

There are wide-ranging perspectives on Spraggins. Entering the 2023 season, a few projections had the 6-3, 325-pounder as a future early round pick. But his stock appeared to drop last season, and then he suffered a season-ending leg injury.

So there’s a lot riding on how Spraggins performs in the 2024 season.

Omari Thomas, DT, fifth-year senior

Thomas has experience (48 games), size (6-4, 320) and steady results that suggest he could have a solid NFL career. But considering he’s assembled so much game film, he may have less upside than other UT defensive linemen.

But Thomas is still a proven long-term performer in the SEC. And don’t be shocked if some NFL teams ponder his potential as an offensive lineman.

John Campbell, OL, seventh-year senior

Campbell is a good pass blocker with deficiencies in run blocking. If he can build on the prior while improving the latter, he could be drafted. The 6-5, 330-pound Campbell is moving from left tackle to right tackle, which would be his NFL position. So the 2024 season could be telling.

Elijah Simmons, DL, fifth-year senior

Simmons has the powerful compact frame (6-2, 340) and quick first step that make for an effective NFL nose tackle. But he must show enough consistency for scouts to believe that his potential could be reality.

Keenan Pili, LB, seventh-year senior

Pili will be 27 years old when his potential NFL rookie season kicks off in 2025. But that doesn’t mean he’s undraftable.

Pili has NFL size (6-3, 240) and physicality. But he missed the 2023 season due to injury after transferring from BYU. He needs a strong 2024 season for the Vols for a chance to hear his name called.

Dont’e Thornton, WR, senior

Thornton has the frame (6-5, 214) and speed that NFL scouts like in an outside wide receiver. But he hasn’t consistently produced, so this is a make-or-break year for his pro potential.

Thornton could be featured in a Vols offense that allows wide receivers to rack up big numbers. But there are limited spots and a tight competition in that rotation.

Tennessee NFL Draft picks 2024

• Round 4, Pick 120: Jaylen Wright, RB, Miami Dolphins
• Round 6, Pick 193: Joe Milton, QB, New England Patriots
• Round 6, Pick 211: Kamal Hadden, CB, Kansas City Chiefs

Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Emailadam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

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