It’s an EDGE-stravaganza in Atlanta in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Atlanta Falcons swapped picks with the Rams, giving up quite the haul to move back into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft to select defensive end James Pearce Jr. at No. 26. The Falcons desperately need a pass rush, and they’re certainly making the moves to do it so far in this draft.
When I say the Falcons gave up a haul, it’s not hyperbole. Here are the details:
Falcons trade: pick 46, 242 and their 2026 first round pick
Rams trade: pick 26, 101
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 25, 2025
Here’s what Pearce brings to the team.
Stats & Accolades
- 2022: Played in 13 games (Five tackles, two sacks)
- 2023: Played in 13 games with three starts (28 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, pass breakup, interception returned for touchdown, two forced fumbles). First-Team All-SEC.
- 2024: Played in 13 games with nine starts (38 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, pass breakup, forced fumble). First-Team All-SEC.
What the Falcons are getting:
Pearce is a long and athletic edge rusher who plays fast alongside ideal strength despite playing at 245 pounds on his 6’5 frame. In his two seasons starting for the Volunteers, Pearce led the team in both sacks and tackles for loss from 2023-2024. He was more productive as a sophomore than as a junior which led to him being viewed as a potential top overall prospect in his class prior to the 2024 campaign. Pearce has the explosiveness to beat tackles around the end and zoom past interior blockers on stunts/twists. He doesn’t show much bend at the top of his rushes and he too often can miss out on making plays with tunnel vision during his one-way rush plans. Pearce has the tools to be a good pro, but he must bulk up to play the run better and refine his technique to become more than just a third-down rush specialist.
Strengths
- Explosive get-off will intimidate lineman from the first snap
- Surprising ability to turn speed into power despite lack of mass
- Ideal pro-ready frame to continue adding muscle
- Disengage with suddenness to make tackles at the line
- Gains a lot of ground on first three steps
Weaknesses
- Stronger offensive tackles can disrupt his rush with just one powerful shove
- Effort is there but strength to set edge in run game is lacking
- Does not show much flexibility in his hips
- Itchy trigger could lead to too many flags
Athletic Testing/Measurements
- Height: 6’5
- Weight: 245 pounds
- 40-yard dash: 4.47 seconds
- 10-yard split: 1.56 seconds
- Vertical jump: 31 inches
- Broad jump: 10 feet, three inches
- 3-cone drill: N/A
- Short shuttle: N/A
- Bench Press: N/A