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Mel Kiper questions Falcons' decision to trade up for James Pearce
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- Mel Kiper questions Falcons' decision to trade up for James Pearce
The Atlanta Falcons double-dipped at the edge rusher position on Day 1 of the 2025 NFL draft. After Georgia 's Jalon Walker fell into their lap at pick No. 15, the team traded up to the 26th pick and took Tennessee 's James Pearce Jr.
Atlanta gave up a first-round pick in 2025 to the Los Angeles Rams to move up 20 spots for Pearce. The Falcons also gave up a seventh-round pick while receiving a third-round pick from the Rams. Some applauded the team for addressing its biggest need with an aggressive move. Others wondered if the Falcons gave up too much.
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ESPN's Mel Kiper broke down the winners and losers from Day 1 of the draft, and while the Falcons didn't make either list, their selection of Pearce made Kiper's "picks I questioned" portion.
"James Pearce Jr. was 34th in my rankings," wrote Kiper . "So while I mentioned the Falcons' sizable pass-rush issue earlier, I was shocked they traded a future first-rounder to move up to No. 26 to get him. It's a lot to give up, and talented edge rushers such as Donovan Ezeiruaku and Mike Green were still on the board. Atlanta got value with Jalon Walker, but this one was questionable."
The Falcons definitely gambled but the aggressive approach is one that's long overdue on defense. Both Walker and Pearce should be key contributors in 2025. Atlanta finished 31st in the NFL with 31 sacks last season and needed to do something to avoid the status quo.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: 2025 NFL draft grades: Falcons criticized for taking James Pearce
