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The Atlanta Falcons' aggressiveness on Day 1 of the 2025 NFL draft was proof that they are trying to build a championship-level defense. The team landed two potential starters in Georgia's Jalon Walker and Tennessee's James Pearce Jr.
The Falcons needed to make a splash so they traded a future first-round pick to go get Pearce at pick No. 26. On Friday, Pearce arrived in Atlanta ready to bring the heat. When asked how he would describe his game, the former Volunteers edge rusher called it "electrifying."
It certainly looks that way on film. The athletic edge prospect has elite upside as a pass rusher, which is just what the doctor ordered for Atlanta. Pearce just needed a chance and the Falcons gave that to him.
When asked if he feels pressure because the team gave up a future first-round pick, Pearce said he views it as a positive.
"I feel like that was a super positive thing they did, and that fueled my fire," said Pearce. "That put a lot of gasoline on there. Makes me want to go ahead and play for this organization a lot harder and a lot better."
Truthfully, the Falcons needed Pearce just as much as he needed them. The team's pass rush has been an afterthought since 2018 and general manager Terry Fontenot knew he had to make a splash. Even after landing Walker, who was a steal in most draft analysts' eyes, the Falcons chose to put their faith and future in Pearce.
"They believed in me," said Pearce. "They believed in my talent. They believed in my skill set. They believed in me growing as a man."
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Falcons DE James Pearce sums up his game in one word
Continue reading...
The Falcons needed to make a splash so they traded a future first-round pick to go get Pearce at pick No. 26. On Friday, Pearce arrived in Atlanta ready to bring the heat. When asked how he would describe his game, the former Volunteers edge rusher called it "electrifying."
It certainly looks that way on film. The athletic edge prospect has elite upside as a pass rusher, which is just what the doctor ordered for Atlanta. Pearce just needed a chance and the Falcons gave that to him.
When asked if he feels pressure because the team gave up a future first-round pick, Pearce said he views it as a positive.
"I feel like that was a super positive thing they did, and that fueled my fire," said Pearce. "That put a lot of gasoline on there. Makes me want to go ahead and play for this organization a lot harder and a lot better."
Truthfully, the Falcons needed Pearce just as much as he needed them. The team's pass rush has been an afterthought since 2018 and general manager Terry Fontenot knew he had to make a splash. Even after landing Walker, who was a steal in most draft analysts' eyes, the Falcons chose to put their faith and future in Pearce.
"They believed in me," said Pearce. "They believed in my talent. They believed in my skill set. They believed in me growing as a man."
What picks do Falcons have on Day 3 of 2025 NFL draft?
- Round 4 (Pick No. 118)
- Round 7 (Pick No. 218)
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Falcons DE James Pearce sums up his game in one word
Continue reading...
