Another look at the trenches.
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws near, the Cincinnati Bengals have set up a string of visits with upcoming prospects. After a terrible year on defense in 2024, it is no surprise that Cincinnati is looking at several defenders ahead of draft night, with a focus on the defensive line.
The latest defensive lineman set to meet with Bengals brass is University of Tennessee pass rusher James Pearce Jr., per a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
#Tennessee edge James Pearce Jr. spent yesterday with the #AZCardinals, then he also has visits to #Colts and #Bengals this week. He was with the #Cowboys and #Falcons last week.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 8, 2025
Pearce finished the 2024 season with 7.5 sacks, 38 total tackles, and a forced fumble as the Volunteer defense helped get the team to The College Football Playoff. Pearce also had 9.5 sacks in 2023.
Regardless of what happens between the Bengals and Trey Hendrickson, they need an infusion of pass rush. Former first-rounder Myles Murphy has yet to make an impact, albeit he seemed to be buried under Sam Hubbard on the depth chart since he arrived in Cincinnati.
The Bengals are certainly taking a hard look at multiple defensive linemen before they make their selections later this month, and it appears Pearce could be in play.
