Atlanta Falcons Double Down on Pass Rush with Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in 2025 NFL Draft
The Atlanta Falcons had a clear mission going into the 2025 NFL Draft: fix their struggling pass rush. After all, the Birds ranked near the bottom of the league last year in getting to the quarterback — something any team chasing playoff success knows they just can’t afford. Landing Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker with the 15th overall pick was a strong start, but Atlanta’s front office knew they couldn’t stop there.
General Manager Terry Fontenot had his eyes on another prize — Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. When Pearce was still available late in the first round, Fontenot made a bold move. The Falcons traded a future first-round pick just to jump up and grab Pearce at 26th overall, hoping his skill set could finally bring some serious heat off the edge.
Why Pearce Could Be the Falcons' Game-Changer
Pearce stands out because he’s more than just speed and quickness. NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks recently highlighted Pearce as a long-shot contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2025 — and with good reason. Brooks pointed to Pearce’s explosive speed, exceptional instincts, and first-step quickness as key attributes that make him a natural fit in Jeff Ulbrich’s defense.
“The Dirty Birds might have finally solved their pass-rushing woes with Pearce and Walker,” Brooks wrote. “Pearce is a quarterback hunter, and he has a bag of tricks — from his lightning speed to a crafty bull rush and two-handed swipe moves — that could make him an instant impact player.”
The Falcons are banking on Pearce to rush off the edge almost exclusively, giving him plenty of opportunities to rack up sacks. While Walker is expected to be a tackling machine across the field, Pearce’s defined role as a designated pass rusher could make him the more dangerous threat to opposing quarterbacks this season.
Fontenot’s Gamble: Trading Future for Present
The Falcons’ decision to give up a future first-round pick to land Pearce shows just how hungry they are to turn their defense around. That kind of aggressive move is rare, but Fontenot clearly believes Pearce’s rookie year impact will justify the cost. And the Falcons don’t lack confidence — both rookies are projected to play major roles from Day 1.
Defensive Coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been effusive in his praise for Pearce’s potential, highlighting not just his speed but his underrated power.
“I don’t think he gets enough credit for the amount of power that he has in his body,” Ulbrich said recently. “He’s got the full arsenal. Can we improve it? Absolutely. But the starting point is so much better than most.”
That kind of endorsement speaks volumes, especially coming from a coordinator known for his ability to develop defensive talent. Ulbrich’s belief in Pearce’s arsenal of pass-rushing moves hints at a player who can beat blockers with both finesse and strength — a lethal combination in today’s NFL.
The Walker Factor
Jalon Walker, the Georgia linebacker, isn’t just a second fiddle in this story. While Pearce might grab headlines as the edge rusher with sack potential, Walker is expected to be an every-down force. His tackling ability, sideline-to-sideline speed, and football IQ make him a reliable and dynamic defender.
Together, Pearce and Walker form a complementary duo — one designed to pressure quarterbacks relentlessly and the other to stop plays across the field. Falcons fans can look forward to seeing these two young players help turn around what was one of the league’s worst pass defenses last season.
Training Camp: The Countdown Begins
With rookies and veterans reporting for training camp on July 23, the excitement around the Falcons’ defense is palpable. Coaches, teammates, and fans will be watching closely to see how Pearce and Walker transition from college stars to NFL playmakers.
Training camp will be crucial for Pearce, who needs to refine his pass-rushing moves and build chemistry with the defensive line and linebackers around him. For Walker, it’s about proving he can handle the speed and complexity of NFL offenses while being a tackling machine in a new role.
Why This Draft Could Change the Falcons’ Defensive Identity
Atlanta’s defensive struggles in recent years have been glaring, especially when it comes to pressuring opposing quarterbacks. In today’s pass-heavy NFL, teams that can’t get to the QB risk getting left behind. By investing heavily in Pearce and Walker, the Falcons are signaling a shift toward a more aggressive, fast, and disruptive defensive style.
If Pearce can deliver consistent pressure off the edge and Walker brings his tackling prowess to the middle, the Falcons could dramatically improve their pass rush rankings and overall defensive effectiveness.
What to Watch This Season
-
Pearce’s Sack Total: As the designated pass rusher, Pearce’s ability to bring down the QB will be a major story all season long.
-
Walker’s Impact: Whether Walker racks up tackles, forces turnovers, or provides solid coverage, he’ll be a key to the Falcons’ defensive success.
-
Development Under Ulbrich: The coaching staff’s ability to harness and develop these rookies will determine how quickly they make an impact.
-
Team Defense Turnaround: Ultimately, the big question — can these rookies help transform the Falcons’ defense from a weak spot to a strength?
A Bold Move with High Stakes
Atlanta’s decision to move up in the draft for Pearce isn’t without risk. Giving up a future first-rounder is costly, especially if the rookie struggles to adjust. But if Pearce lives up to his potential and teams up effectively with Walker, the Falcons’ defense could be a dark horse contender in the NFC this year.
The Falcons aren’t just drafting players — they’re betting on a defense reboot. For fans hungry to see more sacks, forced turnovers, and defensive dominance, Pearce and Walker represent hope and excitement for what’s next.
Login