Falcons Bolster Pass Rush, Select Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. in NFL Draft
In a move signaling a clear intent to fortify their defensive front, the Atlanta Falcons have selected University of Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. with the 26th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This selection, made after a strategic trade back into the first round, underscores the Falcons’ commitment to addressing their need for a dynamic pass-rushing presence. Pearce, a highly touted prospect known for his explosive athleticism and disruptive abilities, now joins a Falcons defense eager to elevate its pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Pearce’s journey to the NFL has been marked by consistent growth and impactful performances during his time with the Tennessee Volunteers. A former five-star recruit from Charlotte, North Carolina, he quickly established himself as a key contributor to the Volunteers’ defense. Over his three seasons at Rocky Top, Pearce amassed an impressive 19.5 sacks and 30 tackles for loss, showcasing his knack for penetrating opposing offensive lines and making plays in crucial moments. His 10 sacks in the 2023 season led the SEC, further solidifying his reputation as a premier pass rusher in one of college football’s most competitive conferences.
Standing at an imposing 6-foot-5 and weighing 245 pounds, Pearce possesses the prototypical build and athleticism that NFL teams covet in edge defenders. His standout trait is his exceptional first-step quickness and burst off the line of scrimmage, consistently allowing him to gain an advantage over offensive tackles. This explosive ability, coupled with his developing repertoire of pass-rushing moves, makes him a constant threat to disrupt the quarterback and create negative plays. Beyond his speed, Pearce has also demonstrated a capacity to convert that speed into power, enabling him to bull rush opponents and collapse the pocket.
In his junior season alone, Pearce registered 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss, demonstrating his continued productivity. He also proved to be a factor in critical matchups, recording tackles for loss against formidable opponents such as Alabama, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Ohio State. His consistent pressure on the quarterback, evidenced by his high pressure rate, was a significant factor in the Volunteers’ defensive success. Pearce’s ability to generate pressure from various alignments highlights his versatility and potential to be deployed in multiple schemes at the professional level.
The Atlanta Falcons entered the 2025 NFL Draft acutely aware of their need to inject more dynamism into their pass rush. In the 2024 season, the team’s sack production ranked near the bottom of the league, underscoring the urgency to acquire impactful talent on the edge. While the Falcons added veteran Leonard Floyd in free agency, the acquisition of a young, high-upside player like Pearce through the draft represents a long-term investment in their defensive future.
Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot expressed his excitement about the selection, emphasizing Pearce’s consistent production and disruptive qualities. “Even if you don’t watch tape, look at the numbers,” Fontenot stated. “Highest pressure rate in football. That’s great, and it’s been consistent in two years. This is a productive player. He can get off the ball. He’s explosive. He’s sudden. He’s twitchy. He plays with violence. And so, whether it’s in the run game or the pass game, he’s disruptive.”
Pearce’s selection marks the second first-round pick for the Falcons in the 2025 draft. Earlier in the evening, they chose University of Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker at pick number 15. Walker, another player with pass-rushing capabilities, further emphasizes the Falcons’ dedication to revamping their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. The fact that both Walker and Pearce were highly regarded pass rushers in the SEC underscores the team’s focus on acquiring proven talent from a high level of competition.
The decision to trade up to secure Pearce highlights the Falcons’ conviction in his potential. To move from their original second-round pick (No. 46) back into the first round at No. 26, the Falcons reportedly traded their 2026 first-round pick and a 2025 seventh-round pick (No. 242) to the Los Angeles Rams. They also acquired a third-round pick (No. 101) in the exchange. This significant investment underscores the Falcons’ belief that Pearce can be an immediate and impactful contributor to their defense.
While Pearce’s strengths as a pass rusher are evident, draft analysts have also noted areas for potential development. Some evaluations suggest that he is still refining his technique and could improve his consistency against the run. However, his athleticism and raw talent provide a high ceiling, and with NFL-level coaching, he has the potential to become a dominant force on the edge.
The addition of James Pearce Jr. to the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive line injects much-needed youth, athleticism, and pass-rushing prowess into the unit. Alongside Jalon Walker and veteran acquisitions like Leonard Floyd, Pearce is expected to play a significant role in the Falcons’ efforts to improve their defense in the upcoming season. His explosive first step, relentless motor, and proven ability to generate pressure make him an exciting prospect for Falcons fans and a player who could quickly become a key contributor to the team’s success. As he transitions to the professional level, the focus will be on harnessing his natural talent and refining his skills to become a consistent and impactful edge defender in the NFL. The Falcons’ investment in Pearce reflects their commitment to building a formidable defense, and his development will be closely watched as the 2025 season unfolds.
