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Context can be everything. Just ask Atlanta Falcons rookie James Pearce Jr.
If any other NFL team had selected Pearce at No. 26 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft or if he had been picked anywhere else in the final third of the first round, Pearce is probably entering a rather normal rookie campaign for a first-round edge rusher.
But that didn't happen. The Falcons traded a lot of draft capital, including a 2026 first-rounder, for the right to pick Pearce at No. 26. He now lands in a place where he's viewed as half the answer to fixing Atlanta's long-time pass-rushing problem.
That's a lot of pressure, and it's not going away.
Entering mandatory minicamps this week, CBS Sports' Josh Edward included Pearce on his list of nine rookies with the most to prove.
"The Falcons traded back into the first round for the right to select a second edge rusher: Pearce. In doing so, they traded away a future first-round pick," Edwards wrote. "It requires conviction to make such a move and the pressure to validate those lofty assertions are on Pearce's doorstep.
"Atlanta has failed to field a terrorizing pass rush for several years, and Pearce now carries the burden of being part of that solution."
Fellow edge rusher Jalon Walker also carries that burden. But Walker wasn't on Edwards' list.
Entering the draft, pundits considered Walker a better prospect than Pearce. Walker was selected at No. 15 overall, 11 selections ahead of Pearce.
But again, context is everything. The Falcons didn't give up a future first-rounder and other draft capital for him.
It's not really fair to the kid, but that's the pressure the national media is putting on Pearce this summer. He will face it for his entire career with the Falcons.
Pearce was one of two edge rushers on Edwards' "most to prove" rookies list. The other was Baltimore Ravens' Mike Green.
Edwards also included New England Patriots left tackle Will Campbell, New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Emeka Egbuka, Jacksonville Jaguars' Travis Hunter, Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson, Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward on the list.
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Shocking Accusation: 2025 Notre Dame Opponent Allegedly Leaked Playbook Last Season
Notre Dame and Purdue are set to renew their rivalry on Sept. 20 this year when the Boilermakers come to South Bend. According to On3, former Memphis defensive back Tahj Ra-El shared part of Memphis' defensive playbook with UTSA quarterback Owen McCown before last season's Nov. 2 showdown. Ra-El left the Memphis program in October of last year, meaning he wasn't part of the team for the American Conference between the Tigers and UTSA last year. UTSA won the game and wound up sneaking into bowl eligibility by season's end. Ra-El announced he was transferring to Purdue in late December. On Friday, Purdue issued a statement on Ra-El, noting it didn't have any concerns with him going forward. "Our coaching staff sees the scenario as being mischaracterized and does not have any concerns moving forward," read the statement. Nick Shepkowski's Quick Takeaway: New Purdue head coach Barry Odom has infinitely more experience with this than myself but if you're trying to change the culture at a program like the new head coach is, how do you let Ra-El on your roster after this? "That's the guy who gave his playbook away to the opponent last year. What's he going to do to us if things don't go right?" As much as I'm a believer in second chances, this isn't one I'd be interested in if I'm trying to raise a program from having one of the worst seasons in Power Four/Five college football history, like Odom and Purdue are.
Yankees manager provides major update on Aaron Judge's injury
New York Yankees star Aaron Judge missed Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies with an elbow injury, and the slugger is now headed to the injured list. The Yankees fell 9-4 to the Phillies on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y., which marked their third consecutive loss. Judge played in Friday night's 12-5 loss to Philadelphia, but Aaron Boone announced before Saturday's game that Judge was dealing with an "elbow issue" and would sit out. Following his team's latest loss, Boone shared some new information about Judge's injury. Judge has been diagnosed with a flexor strain, but the Yankees believe he can return in less than two weeks. When Judge returns to the lineup, Boone said it will initially be as a designated hitter. Judge is having an outstanding season. He entered Saturday batting .342, which is the best mark in baseball. The reigning American League MVP has 37 home runs, 85 RBI and a 1.160 OPS. The Yankees are now six games behind the AL East-leading Toronto Blue Jays and fighting to remain atop the wild-card race. It goes without saying that they are hopeful Judge will be able to return as soon as possible.
Green Bay Packers 3rd Year Receiver Turning Heads At Training Camp
The Green Bay Packers have one of the youngest rosters in the NFL. A big reason for this is their wide receiver room. For the past three seasons, they have relied on rookies and second-year players to carry the load on offense from a pass-catching perspective. However, that has led to some inconsistent play. Last year, drops were a huge issue, especially for former fifth-round pick Dontayvion Wicks. He was able to get open but would drop the ball in key moments. Wicks is determined to change the narrative and is already turning heads in training camp. Green Bay Packers WR Dontayvion Wicks Looking Good Wicks was the star of the 2-minute drill during Friday’s training camp practice. He found a hole in the zone and ran the post route. Quarterback Jordan Love saw him immediately and unloaded a long ball. The former Virginia receiver was all alone and caught a 49-yard touchdown pass to end the drill. This was one of the many great plays Wicks made throughout the practice. He was asked about the play after the practice. “I knew I had the post,” Wicks said. “I had a man on me. I released, ran full speed. I knew X was over the top. So I stemmed out a little bit and broke flat across. It was a runaway, and J-Love gave me the ball and I ran under it, and that was all from there.” This is great news for the Green Bay Packers. Drops can often be attributed to a lack of confidence. They can snowball. Once a player drops one pass, it can snowball into more drops. The same can be said about catches. Once a player gets confidence, it can be hard to stop. If Dontayvion Wicks has gotten his confidence, the league should watch out. No Problems Getting Open Wicks had no problems getting open last year. According to ESPN Analytics, he was open on 84% of his routes, thanks to a quick burst off the snap and his ability to find gaps in the zone. However, getting open doesn’t matter if a player can’t bring in the ball. The Green Bay Packers hope this is the start of a new player in 2025. Matthew Golden has also looked good in training camp, and Jayden Reed has vowed to drop fewer passes as well in 2025. If that trio can haul in passes, this offense could be one of the best in the league. Final Thoughts We always have to be cautious about training camp news. It can sometimes point to what will happen in the season, but not always. However, this seems like a step in the right direction for the Green Bay Packers. If Wicks gains confidence now, that should carry over into the season.
Red Sox Dream Target Reportedly Just Hit Trade Block
The Boston Red Sox could use more firepower in the middle of the lineup and as the trade deadline has gotten closer, rumors specifically about first base have popped up. One guy who has been floated as a fit has been Tampa Bay Rays star Yandy Díaz, but a deal has seemed like nothing more than a pipe dream. While this is the case, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported that Tampa Bay may be more willing to move him than initially expected and that Boston will be at the top of the list for him if he does actually become available. "The Rays entered Saturday 3-4 since the All-Star break and 6-15 since June 28," Rosenthal said. "Any thought of owner Stuart Sternberg going out on a high note before selling the club appears to be fading. A rapid turnaround might force the Rays to shift course. But Rays officials began signaling to teams late Friday that they will be open to moving Díaz, second baseman Brandon Lowe and others if they do not reverse their tailspin. A final decision might not come before Wednesday, on the eve of the deadline. "The Rays have been reluctant to trade Díaz, who sacrificed perhaps greater money elsewhere by signing two club-friendly extensions. If they indeed become willing to move him, the Boston Red Sox will almost certainly be at the top of the list of the teams interested. Another Rays player who could be on the move: Catcher Danny Jansen, whom the team signed last offseason to a two-year, $8.5 million free-agent contract with a club option for 2027. If Jansen goes, the Rays could backfill with another catcher." If Boston is going to make a big addition, this absolutely should be it.
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