Bengals draft targets: Should James Pearce be the pick?

The edge position has been, arguably, the most popular position mocked to the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round across the board. One name at the position that has been extremely polarizing is James Pearce Jr. of Tennessee. Would he be a fit in Cincinnati? Should the Bengals consider him at No. 17?

Case for Pearce

Pearce ended up being one of the most productive pass-rushers in Tennessee history, as his 19.5 career sacks rank in the top 10 in school history, as noted by The Athletic's Dane Brugler in his Beast draft guide. His 10 sacks in 2023 led the SEC. He would bring explosiveness to the edge and immediately be part of a rotation behind Trey Hendrickson. He has room to grow in his…