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Falcons praised after trading up for James Pearce in 2025 NFL draft
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- Falcons praised after trading up for James Pearce in 2025 NFL draft
After selecting Georgia's Jalon Walker with the 15th overall pick, the Atlanta Falcons traded back up into the first round of the 2025 NFL draft and selected Tennessee 's James Pearce Jr. with the 26th overall pick.
The team acquired the pick from the Los Angeles Rams for a future first-rounder. Pearce had eight sacks in 2024 and 13 in 2023 for the Volunteers . Most Falcons fans went to bed already assuming the night was over for Atlanta, however, the team made sure it left Day 1 with two difference-making edge prospects.
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While this is a shock to some, it's a move that shows desperation to finally address a core need for the team. By Pro Football Focus' metrics, Pearce earned a 92.1 grade since 2023 and ranks second among all edge rushers. Per PFF, this selection was again graded as "good."
The Falcons trade up into the first round to double up on athletic pass-rushers, as Pearce was the fastest defensive lineman at the NFL combine. Pearce defeats blocks exceedingly well, generating a 23.0% pass-rush win rate while also sporting an 84.1 run-defense grade. The Falcons had one of the worst pass-rushing defensive lines in the NFL in 2024 but immediately improved that tonight. - Pro Football Focus
The hope is that the newfound pair can create a stronger front seven capable of pressuring opposing quarterbacks. For far too long, the Falcons have been among the worst in the NFL at rushing the passer. It's clear this team had a plan to finally do something bold on defense.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Falcons trade up for James Pearce in Round 1
