James Pearce Jr.
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University of Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr.
The Atlanta Falcons made headlines in the 2025 NFL Draft—not just for selecting James Pearce Jr., but how they got him.
When the Falcons traded back into the first-round to select James Pearce Jr., the pressure clock instantly switched on.
In order to land Pearce Jr., the Falcons gave up a future first-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams.
After drafting fellow rookie Jalon Walker, the Falcons chose to dip back into the pass rusher pool with a bang.
Now, before Pearce has even played a down of NFL football, he will carry the weight of his new franchise’s gamble.
With OTAs and minicamps complete and with training camp on the horizon, the national message is clear:
All eyes are on James Pearce Jr.
Pearce Jr. Under Fire Early
The Atlanta Falcons didn’t just draft James Pearce Jr., they bet on him.
Giving up a future first-round pick in the draft will always raise the eyebrows of those who follow draft grade charts.
Trading back into the first round changed the conversation for the Falcons. It added heat and forced higher expectations.
For the Falcons, it appears those expectations were easy to ignore and they were determined to land their guy.
Nothing was going to stand in their way after watching the Tennessee standout through the draft process.
The Falcons believe Pearce Jr. is the perfect compliment to fellow rookie Jalon Walker and will be the final piece to shore up their ailing pass rush.
Nationally, the spotlight remains bright on James Pearce Jr.
CBS Sports Analyst Josh Edwards recently listed Pearce Jr. on his “rookies with most to prove” list at mandatory minicamps.
“The Falcons traded back into the first round for the right to select a second edge rusher: Pearce. In doing so, they traded away a future first-round pick,” said Edwards.
Edwards also mentions the weight of the selection and how Pearce will carry the pressure surrounding his selection.
“It requires conviction to make such a move and the pressure to validate those lofty assertions are on Pearce’s doorstep.”
Expectation For 2025 Season
The Falcons have failed to field a terrorizing pass-rush for years.
After searching high and dry to find a player who can get to the quarterback, the Falcons believe they have finally found a solution.
Atlanta finished near the bottom of the league in sacks last season, tallying only 31.
Pressure will mount on Pearce Jr. who is expected to hit the ground running this season.
Pearce Jr., known for his burst and bend off the edge, wasn’t drafted to be a backup this season.
Instead, Pearce Jr. will play right away and pairing him with fellow rookie Jalon Walker, will hope to provide immediate results.
Both Pearce Jr. and Walker have the potential to form quite the dynamic duo this season. Being the core of a fast youth movement in Atlanta.
Still, this doesn’t mean the road will be easy for Pearce Jr., who will continue to have the spotlight as the season gets underway.
The Tennessee standout will need to stay healthy, and adjust quickly, to keep the critics at bay.
The James Pearce Jr. selection isn’t just about talent, it’s about the surrounding pressure and expectation that lies ahead.
Pearce Jr. started his NFL career not just as the Falcons first-rounder, but the first-round pick Atlanta had to have.
Whether he proves to be a star or another lost name in Atlanta’s draft history, not only will he shape his story, but potentially the next few years of Falcons football on defense.