Your daily San Francisco 49ers news for Tuesday, April 15th, 2025
“Pearce’s 4.47-second 40-yard dash was the fastest among edge rushers at the NFL Scouting Combine. He also posted a 31-inch vertical and a 10-foot-3 broad jump, showcasing elite athleticism.
“But the thing that he has, he can consistently collapse a pocket,” Baldinger continued. “His speed to power, where he takes guys like [OT] Kadyn Proctor, that weigh 100 pounds more than him at Alabama, and walk him right back into the quarterback’s lap.”
Pearce has also drawn high marks from Pro Football Focus, solidifying his status as one of the top defenders in the 2025 draft class. He’s earned a defensive grade of 87.1 or better in each of the past two seasons. His career-high 10 sacks in 2023 earned him a stellar 91.9 pass-rush grade, followed by a strong 89.4 mark in 2024.
“I think the 49ers have to get faster and more athletic on defense,” Baldinger added. “And James Pierce Jr., with his speed and size, gives you size and speed and suddenness off the edge.”
“Although listed as a defensive tackle, Alexander’s versatility has caught the attention of NFL teams.
“A lot of teams have me playing the three-technique or as a defensive end,” Alexander told Melo in a recent interview. “They see me being versatile enough to play both.”
“New York Upstate’s Ryan Talbot reports that the San Francisco 49ers are set to host Ole Miss linebacker Chris Paul Jr. for a pre-draft visit in Santa Clara this week. NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein projects Paul as a fourth- or fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.”
49ers conduct pre-draft meeting with Tennessee DT Omari Thomas
“I see myself playing as a nose tackle, three-tech, or as a 4i,” Thomas told Melo in a recent interview. “I think I can be versatile and play multiple positions actually. That’s what I did at Tennessee. I moved around. I typically played the first two downs as a nose tackle, but I see myself being a good nose, three-tech, or 4i.”
Over five seasons at Tennessee, the 6-foot-4, 316-pound Thomas totaled 116 tackles, including 18 for a loss, five sacks, 13 passes defensed, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He played in 13 games as a senior in 2024, starting 11, and served as a team captain.”