Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Rookie James Pearce Jr. Is Locked In And Ready To Impress

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hery Acosta | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 4:58 PM ET

The Falcons took a stab in the dark by trading up for an EDGE rusher with the 26th pick and taking the Tennessee standout. As of right now, after OTA's and mandatory camps, all is positive so far when it comes to Pearce and what he brings to the Falcons.

Pearce impressed everyone at the NFL Combine with an impressive 4.47 second 40-yard dash. At only 21 years old, he looks to have a very bright future in the NFL and will like to make an impact on the Falcons, who have struggled on defense over the last few seasons.

Head Coach Raheem Morris, has been a fan of Pearce and really appreciates how well he has adjusted to the pros. Morris and Jeff Ulbrich will help Pearce develop and can potentially help him become defensive rookie of the year.

The Falcons are hoping to step up defensively this season with Pearce as an EDGE rusher, as well as other young stars like Jalon Walker and Xavier Watts. Pearce has the ability to lead this defense and bring them to the top, even if it takes a few games or a season.

The 2025 season has a lot in store for not only Pearce, but for the Falcons in general, as they have their most well-rounded roster in years. Many players have now gained more experience, while offseason changes and the draft have helped improve the roster.

The pressure that Pearce faces is a bit different, because of the fact that the Falcons traded a first round pick to draft him. Pearce will go into his rookie season with that chip on his shoulder, but so far, he looks calm and ready.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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