Atlanta Falcons new "NFC South Favorites" according to NFL Draft experts following huge defensive acquisitions in the first round
Everyone on Earth knew that the Atlanta Falcons had to invest heavily into their defense in the 2025 NFL Draft, but not many people predicted that they would draft multiple pass rushing specialists in round one with a trade up into the 20s.After selecting Jalon Walker, the hybrid off-ball linebacker edge defender unicorn out of […]
Everyone on Earth knew that the Atlanta Falcons had to invest heavily into their defense in the 2025 NFL Draft, but not many people predicted that they would draft multiple pass rushing specialists in round one with a trade up into the 20s.
After selecting Jalon Walker, the hybrid off-ball linebacker edge defender unicorn out of Georgia at pick 15, the Falcons weren't done. As James Pearce Jr. of Tennessee fell further down the board Falcons' general manager Terry Fontenot decided he couldn't wait any longer. He traded away the Falcons' pick 46, pick 242, and a 2026 first round pick for the Rams' 26th overall selection and pick 101 (end of the third round) to select the impressive Tennessee Vols star.
Some experts immediately slammed the trade as "poor team building", but others saw it completely differently since the Falcons addressed their greatest need with not one, but two players. In fact, Joe DeLeone and Ryan Roberts of the A to Z Film Room called the Atlanta Falcons their new "NFC South Favorites" and highlighted that this kind of move signifies a push to make the playoffs in 2025.
Both Joe and Ryan–long time NFL Draft writers and experts–felt the same way. The Falcons had to make the move they did if the team wanted a real shot to win now, and if both hit their ceilings Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. could end up as Top 10 overall talents in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
"They drafted linebacker-edge hybrid from Georgia and then traded back into the first round with the Los Angeles Rams to James Pearce Jr. from Tennessee. So they are loading up on pass rushers for a potential playoff run…James Pearce Jr., when he's tapped in, when he's locked in, he is arguably a Top 10 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Now there's some off the field concerns over maturity and just how much he wants to be great, but if he's able to [overcome] that in Atlanta, I really think the Falcons got a massive steal."
The Falcons finished the 2024 season ranked 23rd in points allowed, 24th in passing yards allowed, 31st in defensive sacks, and saw exactly zero players on their team post more than six sacks on the year. The pass rush (and entire pass defense really) was absolutely atrocious and the primary reason that the Falcons could not contend last season.
Jalon Walker led the Georgia Bulldogs in pass rush pressures and sacks last season despite logging just the seventh most pass rush snaps on the team while also performing well at off-ball linebacker. James Pearce Jr. dominated for the Tennessee Vols finishing his career as the only player in the entire 2025 NFL Draft class with back to back seasons of pass rush pressure and win rates over 20% (via both PFF and Sports Info Solutions).
Both Walker and Pearce were special in college. Walker was a team captain, a leader, and unique difference maker–and should be exactly that for the Falcons soon. Yes, there were apparent character "red flags" with James Pearce Jr., but when I talked to him at the NFL Combine I couldn't help but come away impressed as he broke down his game. He'll be a great fit too.
For more on both potential star players, two of our NFL Draft analysts (Rob Gregson & Destin Adams) broke down Walker and Pearce in their scouting reports below:
Jalon Walker Scouting Report
Linebacker, Georgia
Age (Birthday): 21 (02/24/2004)
A to Z Sports Expected Draft Position: 12
Pre-Draft Round Projection: 1
Jalon Walker is as intriguing as they come. A hybrid player that has shown proficiency at off-ball linebacker and aligned along the EDGE. Wherever he lands, the fit and utilization of Walker will have to be perfect. At 6-1 and 243 pounds, his frame and athleticism suggest an inside linebacker. His actual play style suggests something far more interesting. A blur off the edge with a developed pass rush plan, he's the kind of player that makes offensive tackles start their pass set at a 90-degree angle just so they have enough time to not get run by. But offensive tackles also hate power, and at his size, Walker will never have elite power, even if he's very strong for his frame. At inside LB, he's still a work in progress, with more time on task needed. So Walker could end up being the versatile chess piece that coordinators dream of, or we could have another Isaiah Simmons situation on our hands.
Career Projection: Boom Bust Starter Potential
James Pearce Jr. Scouting Report
Edge Defender, Tennessee
Age (Birthday): 21 (10/12/2003)
A to Z Sports Expected Draft Position: 24
Pre-Draft Round Projection: 1
Just a year ago, James Pearce Jr. was being projected to be a top five draft pick in this class. You could even find some "way too early mock drafts" that had him being the number one overall pick. He is one of the most naturally gifted pass rushes in this year's class, but saw his production take a dip this past season. Some around the league think he has some mental red flags, one being his overall effort on the field. Pearce is a special athlete and has a nice tool belt of pass rush moves at his disposal. However, for him to be successful, he will have to fully buy into the process and show that he is willing to put in the work to be great.
Career Projection: All-Pro Potential
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