Falcons rookie named 'long-shot' to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
The Atlanta Falcons were happy to land Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker with the 15th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, but they knew one player alone wouldn't be enough to fix one of the worst pass rushes in the league.
So when general manager Terry Fontenot saw that Tennessee edge James Pearce Jr. was still on the board late in the first round, he got on the phone and made a deal. The Falcons gave up a future first-round pick to move up and take Pearce with the 26th overall pick.
While both Walker and Pearce are expected to play a lot this season, only one player can win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks published an article examining seven "long-shot" candidates to win the league's major awards this season.
Pearce was listed as Brooks' long-shot Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate in 2025:
The Dirty Birds might have finally solved their pass-rushing woes with the selections of Pearce and fellow first-round pick Jalon Walker in the 2025 NFL Draft. Pearce is an explosive speed rusher with exceptional instincts, awareness and first-step quickness. As a quarterback hunter for a team that desperately needs sack production and quarterback disruption, the No. 26 overall pick could make his mark immediately as a designated pass rusher in Jeff Ulbrich's scheme. Whether winning with speed and athleticism off the edge or overwhelming blockers with a crafty bull rush or two-handed swipe maneuver, Pearce steps onto the field with a bag of tricks that will help him showcase his talents in Year 1. -- Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
The Falcons have two ideal candidates for the award, but Pearce might have a better shot to rack up sacks this season due to his role. While we expect Walker to be a tackling machine regardless of where he lines up, Pearce should play almost exclusively off the edge, giving him more opportunities to rush the QB.
Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is extremely high on Pearce. He recently praised the rookie's array of pass-rushing moves and underrated strength.
"I don't think he gets enough credit for the amount of power that he has in his body as well," Ulbrich said about Pearce. "He's got the full arsenal. Can we improve it? There's no doubt. But the starting point is so much better than most."
Atlanta's rookies and veterans will report for training camp together on July 23.
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