Atlanta Falcons Draft Spotlight: James Pearce Jr (Tennessee)

Tennessee Volunteers star defensive end James Pearce Jr. declared for the NFL Draft last month. 

Having earned All-SEC honors the last two years, Pearce is projected to be a first-round pick in this year's draft via ESPN's Mel Kiper. At the beginning of the season, Kiper would have him in the Top 5, but for now, he is projected as a Top-23 pick.

The Atlanta Falcons have the 15th pick this year, and It is no secret that the team is in desperate need of an edge rusher who can disrupt opposing offenses and get pressure on QBs. 

The Falcons find themselves in a peculiar situation if the need to trade up in the draft presents itself. Names like Kyle Pitts, Kirk Cousins and Matthew Judon are all up in the air, so these names could be used to put a package together to go the veteran route or build through the draft. 

Atlanta has been notorious for signing players past their prime over the years. Time will tell which route the team takes. So, what would the Falcons get by drafting James Pearce Jr.?

Pearce Jr. is a versatile, speed rusher who can disrupt plays at an alarming rate. He is considered the top edge rusher in the draft behind Penn State's Abdul Carter. Pearce Jr. has size at 6-foot-5, 243 pounds. The stats were down slightly in 2024, but Pearce still managed 7.5 sacks during the campaign. 

He will have the opportunity to prove any naysayers wrong at the NFL Combine. Some speculate that he would be better suited as a late first-round pick.