NFL analyst names former Tennessee Vols DE James Pearce, Jr. as one of most confusing picks in NFL Draft, but not because of his play on the field
The Atlanta Falcons made it clear early in the 2025 NFL Draft what their priority is: finding players who are disruptive and can rush the quarterback. However, with that being said, for one NFL analyst, the Falcons taking former Tennessee Vols DE James Pearce, Jr. was the one move that left him scratching his head […]
The Atlanta Falcons made it clear early in the 2025 NFL Draft what their priority is: finding players who are disruptive and can rush the quarterback.
However, with that being said, for one NFL analyst, the Falcons taking former Tennessee Vols DE James Pearce, Jr. was the one move that left him scratching his head the most from last month's draft.
ESPN writers, reporters, and draft analysts put out their lists of best and most confusing draft picks in the draft, and for national NFL reporter Dan Graziano, Pearce was his biggest head scratcher. This is what Graziano had to say about the pick:
"This isn't about the player; it's about the price the Falcons paid to move up for him. Atlanta needed edge rush help and already got some earlier in the round with Jalon Walker. Trading next year's first-round pick to get Pearce felt like a massive overpay, especially after the Giants gave up only two third-round picks to trade up to No. 25." – Dan Graziano, ESPN
I think the trade was certainly a substantial one for the Falcons to pay. They parted with their 2025 second round pick (#46), their 2026 first round pick, and a 2025 seventh round pick (#242) to move up to 26 while also netting a third-round pick (#101).
It should also be pointed out that the Falcons used that third-round pick from the trade to grab Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts, who was viewed by many as a second-round pick. If he and Pearce both pan out, then this trade looks even better down the road.
But it's simply tough to knock the Falcons for trying to make an aggressive move to address one of the worst pass rushes in the league. Atlanta ranked 31st in sacks last year with just 31.
Now, Atlanta has the only edge rusher in FBS over the last two years to register a 20+% pressure rate. Hard to scratch your head over that.
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