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B/R ranks Falcons edge rushers ahead of 2026 NFL season
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- B/R ranks Falcons edge rushers ahead of 2026 NFL season
The edge rush rotation could have been one of the Atlanta Falcons' greatest roster strengths this season. After spending two first-round picks in last year's draft, they had to be looking forward to a big step forward from Jalon Walker and James Pearce going into their second season in the NFL.
Pearce threw a big wrench into the works himself early this offseason when he got into a domestic dispute with his former girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson . He is expected to be suspended by the league office, but there's been no official word yet.
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As for Walker, his 2026 campaign ended before it even began earlier this week when he suffered a season-ending ACL tear, likely taking both of Atlanta's starting edge defenders off the table at the start of the season.
Even though this might be a lost year for both, Pearce and Walker are still underrated compared to the competition. According to Bleacher Report's edge rusher rankings , both are only in the 50s at their position - as part of the "functional performer" tier. They have Pearce slotted at No. 51:
"Pearce had an impressive rookie campaign as a pass-rusher, notching double-digit sacks with 10.5 in year one. His ability to turn speed to power and use a cross-chop move as a counter keeps offensive tackles on their heels. That, combined with his athleticism and closing speed, gives the Tennessee product a bright future. However, Pearce was a non-factor against the run, and his off-the-field concerns have already surfaced in the NFL."
Meanwhile, Walker comes in two spots lower at No. 53:
"Walker provided plenty of flashes as a pass-rusher during his rookie campaign to suggest he has a bright future, showing off some impressive athleticism and quickness to win around the edge. However, a lot of the 2025 first-round pick's production came when he was unblocked or via stunts, especially when working against the run. The Georgia product can improve significantly by winning one-on-one opportunities more frequently and making plays on his own."
Tough crowd. Walker had respectable numbers for a rookie, posting 5.5 sacks and nine tackles for a loss. Pearce was magnificent right away, leading the team with 10.5 sacks to go with 16 QB hits and 10 tackles for a loss. That kind of production should put them both a tier or two higher and no lower than the high 30s.
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The Falcons had one other edge rusher make the cut, with Cameron Thomas coming in at No. 85 in the final "backup, developmental" tier from Bleacher Report.
"While Thomas is a depth player at this point in his career, the four-year pro has a decently well-rounded skill set. He can push the pocket and is solid at working the hands as a pass-rusher, and he has some edge-setting ability against the run. The 2022 third-round pick just doesn't bring enough to the table to see him making a big jump moving forward."
That's a nice consolation prize, but if the Falcons are even going to approach last season's sack numbers as a team, they'll need other new faces to contribute as well, including Bralen Trice (who still hasn't played a game at this level), plus free agent additions Azeez Ojulari and Semson Ebukam.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: B/R ranks Falcons edge rushers ahead of 2026 NFL season
