- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 545,520
- Reaction score
- 47
Atlanta Falcons fans went wild when the team traded back into the first round to pick Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. with the No. 26 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The move, which cost a 2026 first-round pick, sparked a lot of excitement. Fans, who have been frustrated by the team’s weak pass rush for years, celebrated the aggressive trade as a big step toward fixing the defense. Many were thrilled about pairing Pearce with No. 15 pick Jalon Walker, calling it a major boost for Atlanta’s future. Social media buzzed with fans saying the Falcons were “winning the draft” and cheering Pearce’s speed and energy. The bold moves brought new hope that the team’s defense could finally turn things around.
During his introductory press conference, Pearce spoke about how the Falcons’ bold move to trade up for him gave him extra motivation. “Some people might use negative to fuel their fire,” Pearce said. “I feel like that was a super positive thing they did, and that fueled my fire. 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.” Pearce made it clear that the Falcons’ belief in him made a strong impact, pushing him to work even harder for the team and its fans.
Looking to make their defense better, the Falcons showed strong interest in Pearce throughout the draft process, even meeting with him the day before the draft started. Head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot met with Pearce and his mother on Wednesday.
“We always talk about intangibles, and we want to bring in guys that love ball and love to compete as we build this roster the right way,” Fontenot said. “We spent a lot of time with him making sure that he was going to fit.”
"They believed in me," Pearce said. "They believed in my talent. They believed in my skill set. They believed in me growing as a man."
Pearce said the time the Falcons spent with him and his family made him feel confident that Atlanta was the right place for him. Their trust in his ability and his future growth left a strong impression as he begins his NFL career.
Pearce’s excitement to join the Falcons is clear. With the team showing strong belief in him both on and off the field, he is ready to give everything he has to help Atlanta’s defense improve and prove the team made the right choice.
Continue reading...
The move, which cost a 2026 first-round pick, sparked a lot of excitement. Fans, who have been frustrated by the team’s weak pass rush for years, celebrated the aggressive trade as a big step toward fixing the defense. Many were thrilled about pairing Pearce with No. 15 pick Jalon Walker, calling it a major boost for Atlanta’s future. Social media buzzed with fans saying the Falcons were “winning the draft” and cheering Pearce’s speed and energy. The bold moves brought new hope that the team’s defense could finally turn things around.
Pearce Says Falcons' Bold Move Motivates Him to Work Harder
During his introductory press conference, Pearce spoke about how the Falcons’ bold move to trade up for him gave him extra motivation. “Some people might use negative to fuel their fire,” Pearce said. “I feel like that was a super positive thing they did, and that fueled my fire. 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.” Pearce made it clear that the Falcons’ belief in him made a strong impact, pushing him to work even harder for the team and its fans.
Looking to make their defense better, the Falcons showed strong interest in Pearce throughout the draft process, even meeting with him the day before the draft started. Head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot met with Pearce and his mother on Wednesday.
“We always talk about intangibles, and we want to bring in guys that love ball and love to compete as we build this roster the right way,” Fontenot said. “We spent a lot of time with him making sure that he was going to fit.”
"They believed in me," Pearce said. "They believed in my talent. They believed in my skill set. They believed in me growing as a man."
Pearce said the time the Falcons spent with him and his family made him feel confident that Atlanta was the right place for him. Their trust in his ability and his future growth left a strong impression as he begins his NFL career.
Pearce’s excitement to join the Falcons is clear. With the team showing strong belief in him both on and off the field, he is ready to give everything he has to help Atlanta’s defense improve and prove the team made the right choice.
Related: Kirby Smart Congratulates Jalon Walker on NFL Draft: Georgia Football's Championship Legacy Shines
Related: Atlanta Falcons Trade Back Into The First Round To Select Another Dynamic Edge Rusher
Related: Atlanta Falcons Trade Back Into The First Round To Select Another Dynamic Edge Rusher
Continue reading...
