Latest news with #JamesPearceJr
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NFL Draft: Falcons giving up 2026 1st-round pick for James Pearce Jr. draws criticism
The Atlanta Falcons traded back into the first round for the Los Angeles Rams' pick at No. 26 and selected Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. Yet the Falcons trading this year's second-round pick (No. 46), a seventh-rounder (No. 242) and a 2026 first-round selection to draft a player that was rated No. 37 on Yahoo Sports' consensus big board was immediately questioned. Atlanta had already drafted another edge rusher, Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker (No. 13 on the big board), with the No. 15 pick. "To give them a first-round pick, that's ridiculous. That's stupid," Charles McDonald said on Yahoo Sports' NFL Draft Live show. "This is what the Falcons do." Pearce compiled 7.5 sacks last season for the Volunteers with 13 tackles for loss. During his three years in Knoxville, he collected 19.5 sacks, 30 tackles for loss and 71 total tackles. "There shouldn't be an eagerness to get rid of a future pick, a first-rounder that no matter what is going to be more valuable," added Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice. "It's just not the class to be jumping back in to get an edge rusher with questions." Those questions were raised in Tice's pre-draft scouting report on Pearce. "Pearce's frame and speed-only type style gives me some apprehension about how he will affect the game if he doesn't win right away, as he's not the most explosive or strongest player. This type of pass rusher profile carries risk." The Falcons finished second-to-last in the NFL with 31 sacks. Arnold Ebiketie led the team with six sacks, followed by Matt Judon's 5.5 and five from Kaden Elliss. Atlanta's defense also allowed 4,004 yards and 34 touchdowns passing. Pass rush was certainly a need for the team. But was Pearce worth giving up next year's first-round pick? Many draft experts and observers on social media didn't think so. Falcons give up their #1 pick in '26... for James Pearce I've received nearly a dozen texts from guys around the league who are.... shocked — Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) April 25, 2025 I can't believe the Falcons traded all that for James PearceWhat @DOrlandoAJC — Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) April 25, 2025 Here's what I'm told about James Pearce Jr: 'He's exactly what Jeff Ulbrich wants in a rusher. Tall, long, explosive, fast. He will thrive in that defense.' #Falcons — Maria Martin (@Ria_Martin) April 25, 2025 The Falcons obviously had Pearce rated above other edge rushers like Mike Green and Donovan Ezeiruaku, both of whom were higher on Yahoo Sports' rankings. Atlanta also clearly felt that they would not be able to get an edge rusher at No. 46, 14 picks into the second round. It's a decision that will be called into question next April — especially if that pick could have been used to add some help while the pass rush wasn't improved.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Falcons rookie minicamp: Watch highlights from Day 1
On Friday morning, the Atlanta Falcons opened up rookie minicamp with their 2025 NFL draft class. A total of 41 players were in attendance, including the team's five draft picks, 11 undrafted free agents and several tryout players. First-round picks Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. took the field for the first time in a Falcons uniform. Third-round pick Xavier Watts, fourth-rounder Billy Bowman and seventh-round pick Jack Nelson each signed their rookie contracts before taking the field on Friday. While these workouts aren't overly intense, let's check out some clips from Day 1 of Falcons rookie minicamp. Jalen Walker, James Pearce take the field Jalon Walker vs. sled James Pearce Jr. putting in work Xavier Watts shows elite hops Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Billy Bowman and Cobee Bryant stop by Around Falcons Wire This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons Rookie Minicamp: Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr. highlights
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Falcons sign first-round pick Jalon Walker to rookie contract
The Atlanta Falcons have now signed four of their five selections from the 2025 NFL draft, inking first-round pick Jalon Walker on Friday evening. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Walker officially signed a four-year, $20.56 million contract, which will include a fifth-year option since he's a first round pick. The Falcons also signed safety Xavier Watts, defensive back Billy Bowman and offensive lineman Jack Nelson to their rookie deals on Friday morning. First-round pick James Pearce Jr. is the last unsigned member of the team's 2025 draft class. Advertisement Atlanta kicked off rookie minicamp on Friday and all five draft picks were in attendance. In total, 41 players showed up for Day 1. Check out each projected rookie contract below. How much will each Falcons rookie cost against salary cap? EDGE Jalon Walker 2025 Cap Hit: $3,738,612 (Unsigned) Total contract value: $20,562,366 EDGE James Pearce Jr. 2025 Cap Hit: $3,050,686 (Unsigned) Total contract value: $16,778,776 Safety Xavier Watts 2025 Cap Hit: $1,125,192 (Signed) Total contract value: $,6,188,556 DB Billy Bowman 2025 Cap Hit: $1,086,538 (Signed) Total contract value: $5,186,152 OT Jack Nelson 2025 Cap Hit: $878,154 (Signed) Total contract value: $4,352,616 Around Falcons Wire This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons sign first-round pick Jalon Walker to rookie contract
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Falcons reveal rookie uniform numbers for 2025 NFL draft class
The Atlanta Falcons have unveiled the uniform numbers for their 2025 NFL draft class. The team's five-player class was headlined by Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker and Tennessee EDGE James Pearce Jr., both of whom will wear the same numbers that they wore in college. Walker, the 15th overall pick, will wear the No. 11 for the Falcons. Pearce is set to wear the No. 27. Third-round pick Xavier Watts will wear the No. 31. Fourth-round pick Billy Bowman will wear the No. 33 and seventh-rounder Jack Nelson will don the No. 69 for Atlanta this season. Falcons rookie uniform numbers for 2025 draft DE Jalon Walker: No. 11 DE James Pearce Jr. : No. 27 S Xavier Watts: No. 31 DB Billy Bowman: No. 33 OL Jack Nelson: No. 69 Advertisement Check out our new 53-man roster prediction and our post-draft lineup projections! This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Falcons announce rookie uniform numbers
Washington Post
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
First-round picks Walker and Pearce headline Falcons' rookie minicamp and revamped pass rush
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons' commitment to boosting their pass rush was on display at their rookie minicamp on Friday, with edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr ., each drafted in the first round, on the practice field. Free agent Leonard Floyd also was added to boost a pass rush that has been a persistent weak spot.
