B/R ranks Falcons edge rushers ahead of 2026 NFL season

[ASFN Admin]

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.

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.

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

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