Falcons NFL Draft 2025: Atlanta trades again, selects James Pearce, DE, Tennessee

The Atlanta Falcons swapped picks with the Rams, giving up fairly the haul to maneuver again into the primary spherical of the 2025 NFL Draft to pick out defensive finish James Pearce Jr. at No. 26. The Falcons desperately want a cross rush, they usually’re definitely making the strikes to do it to this point on this draft.

Once I say the Falcons gave up a haul, it’s not hyperbole. Listed below are the small print:

Right here’s what Pearce brings to the crew.

Stats & Accolades

• 2022: Performed in 13 video games (5 tackles, two sacks)
• 2023: Performed in 13 video games with three begins (28 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, cross breakup, interception returned for landing, two compelled fumbles). First-Crew All-SEC.
• 2024: Performed in 13 video games with 9 begins (38 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, cross breakup, compelled fumble). First-Crew All-SEC.

What the Falcons are getting:

Pearce is a protracted and athletic edge rusher who performs quick alongside ultimate energy regardless of taking part in at 245 kilos on his 6’5 body. In his two seasons beginning for the Volunteers, Pearce led the crew in each sacks and tackles for loss from 2023-2024. He was extra productive as a sophomore than as a junior which led to him being considered as a possible prime general prospect in his class previous to the 2024 marketing campaign. Pearce has the explosiveness to beat tackles across the finish and zoom previous inside blockers on stunts/twists. He doesn’t present a lot bend on the prime of his rushes and he too typically can miss out on making performs with tunnel imaginative and prescient throughout his one-way rush plans. Pearce has the instruments to be a great professional, however he should bulk as much as play the run higher and refine his method to develop into greater than only a third-down rush specialist.

Strengths

• Explosive get-off will intimidate lineman from the primary snap
• Stunning means to show pace into energy regardless of lack of mass
• Superb pro-ready body to proceed including muscle
• Disengage with suddenness to make tackles on the line
• Good points lots of floor on first three steps

Weaknesses

• Stronger offensive tackles can disrupt his rush with only one highly effective shove
• Effort is there however energy to set edge in run recreation is missing
• Doesn’t present a lot flexibility in his hips
• Itchy set off may result in too many flags

Athletic Testing/Measurements

• Peak: 6’5
• Weight: 245 kilos
• 40-yard sprint: 4.47 seconds
• 10-yard break up: 1.56 seconds
• Vertical soar: 31 inches
• Broad soar: 10 ft, three inches
• 3-cone drill: N/A
• Brief shuttle: N/A
• Bench Press: N/A