Bengals met with potential Round 1 target James Pearce at the NFL Combine

The Bengals met with one potential candidate to add to their pass-rush rotation.

The Cincinnati Bengals continue to meet with top defensive prospects at the 2025 NFL Combine.

One popular target in NFL Mock Draft projections has now officially met with the Bengals.

According to The Sick Podcast, Cincinnati met with Tennessee Volunteers edge James Pearce at the NFL Scouting Combine.

At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds. Pearce possesses the freakish athletic ability and frame to give offensive linemen fits. He’s racked up 17.5 sacks and 28 tackles for loss across 26 games over the last two seasons.

There is no doubting his pass-rush ability. The only nitpicking may be a lack of secondary moves after his initial doesn’t work. Pearce wins with his athleticism, and he can do it very easily. He really is a liability in the running game, but that can be improved with better technique and bulking up a bit more.

The Bengals will need more long-term bodies on the outside of the defensive line. The front office wants to get a deal done with Trey Hendrickson, but he is on the wrong side of 30. Myles Murphy is the only defensive end under contract past next year.

There is a good chance their early picks end up being defensive linemen to help jumpstart the defensive turnaround. Pearce fits that bill.

Follow our Twitter page and ‘like’ our Facebook page for more Cincinnati Bengals stuff. Who Dey!