Dave Canales was a big part of the turnaround in mindset in Carolina during his first year as the head coach, it begs the question of if he can take on the potential baggage that comes with James Pearce Jr. If you’re a big fan of Dave Canales in fact, you might have seen his 9-part “Who is Dave Canales?” documentary series I did upon the announcement of his hire. Canales was praised by the likes of Pete Carroll the new Las Vegas Raiders HC, and even players like Seattle Seahawks WR DK Metcalf. “He’s an optimist bully,” a cheery Baker Mayfield said in an interview, saying that the positive energy eventually became a normal facet of everyday life in Tampa Bay.
James Pearce Jr.’s possible issues
James Pearce Jr. on the other hand has been dealing with some PR issues about not only his output and draft stock but also some off-the-field issues as well. In recent days, a recent high school teammate vouched for reported “anger issues,” including backing up the fact that “he is crazy,” though many NFL scouts believe a Combine performance can overshadow that issue.
Former Tennessee Quarterback Erik Ainge extended an olive branch to the pass rusher, saying on Twitter/X about James Pearce Jr.:
Even with the endorsement by Ainge, a director of player personnel for a prominent AFC playoff team said that “he’s in danger of getting dropped off our board,” showing that the NFL is still concerned about the character flaws. Below are James Pearce Jr.’s stats across his college career.
With sophomore numbers like that, James Pearce Jr. could have launched into the NFL but instead decided to stay behind to help lead the 2024 Tennessee Volunteers to a 10-3 record finishing 9th in the Final AP Poll. Pearce led the team in sacks and tackles for loss, but is Carolina truly ready to bring the hometown guy in after what happened last year?
How does James Pearce Jr. help Carolina?
Yes, the 2024 NFL Draft should be in the rearview mirror, but the Carolina Panthers took a dynamic weapon for QB Bryce Young to mold, in local guy, WR Xavier Legette. While Legette would struggle in his rookie season, the fanbase’s sentiment continues to shift away from bringing the “hometown kid, home.” Already the fanbase is split on whether the pick should become a WR, LB, and now a DL/DE, with pass rush being a desire, making the stock rise evermore for James Pearce Jr.
James Pearce Jr. is going to have to adjust his attitude fast, as the team is built around football, toughness, and faith. Multiple players have spoken out about the faith they have in the team, the coaching staff, and especially Year 3 QB Bryce Young, some expecting a top-10 performance this year. The question is again, does Carolina want him or does he want Carolina more?
James Pearce Jr. is the perfect style of player to insert into a team that lacked defense ability to pressure the QB in 2024, with only 199, the NFL average was 316.09. Carolina also finished with a 28% pass rush win rate, ranking them 31st in the league, while also being ranked 32nd in the league, allowing 179.8 rushing yards per game, and a staggering 5.2 yards per carry. Some of that will be due to the massive injuries to Pro Bowl DT Derrick Brown, among cluster injuries at both secondary and pass rusher.
James Pearce Jr. has character issues, but so far the Carolina Panthers have proven an inability to handle those issues, losing WR Diontae Johnson, LB Brian Burns, and now legendary LB Shaq Thompson to free agency, showing an eagerness to leave.
With Canales in the house now though, the winds are shifting. I believe Canales can take James Pearce Jr. at #8 in the 2025 NFL Draft, and supplement ancillary pieces to assist not only him but also CB Jaycee Horn, and DT Brown to begin to turn the faucet of defense off. If the character concerns continue to show their face, his trade value may dip, but pass rushers will always be in demand so the expense could be recouped possibly.
James Pearce Jr. has the potential to thrive in Evero’s defense with the Carolina Panthers. His skill set as a pass rusher, combined with his athleticism and versatility, fits well with Evero’s preference for a flexible, multiple-front defense. Pearce would be able to contribute as a dynamic pass-rushing weapon, while his ability to set the edge and drop into coverage (if needed) would give Evero more options in his defensive play calling. Pearce will need to continue refining his technique, particularly against the run and in coverage situations, but his raw talent and fit in Evero’s scheme suggest that he could be an impactful player for the Panthers.