Atlanta Falcons select Tennessee Vols EDGE James Pearce in NFL Draft, adding elite pass-rushing talent to bolster defensive front.
The Atlanta Falcons made a splash in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr., a player widely considered one of the most explosive defensive prospects in this year’s class. With the 26th overall pick, the Falcons added a dynamic and versatile pass rusher to a defense that has struggled for years to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. Pearce’s arrival signals Atlanta’s renewed commitment to building a defense capable of contending in a league increasingly dominated by explosive offenses and mobile quarterbacks.
Pearce, who starred for the Tennessee Volunteers, brings with him an elite skill set marked by speed, agility, strength, and high football IQ. At 6-foot-5 and around 250 pounds, he fits the modern mold of an NFL edge defender—long, fast, flexible, and relentless. For the Falcons, a team in the middle of a defensive identity overhaul, this pick could be a franchise-defining moment.
Who is James Pearce Jr.?
James Pearce Jr. emerged as one of the most disruptive defensive forces in college football during the 2024 season. Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Pearce was a late bloomer on the national recruiting scene but quickly gained traction with his freakish athletic traits and untapped potential. He committed to the University of Tennessee and began turning heads early in his collegiate career with his explosiveness off the edge and ability to impact games, even in limited snaps.
By his junior year, Pearce had blossomed into an All-SEC performer and a consensus first-round draft prospect. His 2024 season stats tell part of the story: 13 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, multiple forced fumbles, and numerous quarterback hurries. But numbers don’t fully encapsulate his impact. Pearce consistently demanded double-teams, created chaos, and forced offenses to account for him on every snap. His presence allowed Tennessee’s defense to play faster and freer, and his leadership in the locker room earned praise from coaches and teammates alike.
Why the Falcons Made This Pick
For years, the Falcons’ defense has lacked a true game-changer off the edge. Despite investing in the position through free agency and mid-round picks, Atlanta has struggled to consistently pressure the quarterback—a problem that has plagued the team since their 2016 Super Bowl run. Last season, the Falcons ranked near the bottom of the league in sacks, QB pressures, and third-down conversion percentage allowed. Fixing that became a top priority entering the 2025 offseason.
Enter James Pearce Jr.
The Falcons’ decision to draft Pearce wasn’t just about filling a need—it was about finding the right fit. Defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, known for his aggressive, attacking fronts, now has a weapon tailor-made for his scheme. Pearce’s first-step quickness, bend around the edge, and ability to convert speed to power make him ideal for Atlanta’s hybrid defensive fronts.
Additionally, the Falcons needed someone who could be the face of their defense. With longtime veterans aging and the team transitioning to a younger core, Pearce provides star potential. He’s not just a high-motor player—he’s a playmaker with the tools to become a Pro Bowl-caliber defender in the right environment.
What Pearce Brings to the Table
1. Elite Pass-Rushing Ability
Pearce is one of the most polished pass rushers in the 2025 draft class. His first-step explosion is elite, allowing him to beat offensive tackles before they even get into their set. He’s also shown a variety of pass-rush moves—swim, spin, rip, and bull rush—and has the instincts to know when to use each. His ability to dip his shoulder and bend around the edge without losing speed is rare and highly sought after in today’s NFL.
In a league where getting to the quarterback is paramount, Pearce brings immediate juice. His pass-rush win rate in college was among the best in the country, and he showed an ability to perform against top-tier competition in the SEC.
2. Run-Stopping Capability
While known for his pass rushing, Pearce isn’t a one-trick pony. He’s disciplined against the run, able to set the edge, and shows good gap integrity. His strength and leverage allow him to take on blocks and disengage to make plays. He’s particularly effective in backside pursuit, often chasing down ball carriers with his elite closing speed.
His presence will be a major asset in the NFC South, a division loaded with strong running backs and mobile quarterbacks. The Falcons need defenders who can be three-down players, and Pearce fits that mold perfectly.
3. Versatility and Scheme Fit
One of the aspects of Pearce’s game that intrigued NFL scouts is his versatility. At Tennessee, he lined up as a stand-up outside linebacker, hand-in-the-dirt defensive end, and even dropped into coverage on occasion. That flexibility will allow the Falcons to move him around the formation, create mismatches, and disguise coverages.
In Nielsen’s scheme, which thrives on multiple fronts and pre-snap movement, Pearce will likely be used as a movable chess piece—rushing off either edge, stunting inside, and occasionally playing in space. That kind of adaptability is invaluable in a modern NFL defense.
Immediate Impact in Atlanta
The Falcons enter the 2025 season with a young, hungry defense looking to establish an identity. While Grady Jarrett continues to anchor the interior, and A.J. Terrell leads the secondary, Pearce adds a critical piece to the pass-rush puzzle. He is expected to start from Day 1 and will likely be a featured player in Atlanta’s sub-packages, particularly on third downs.
His presence should open things up for other defenders as well. Offenses will have to slide protections his way, potentially giving interior rushers and blitzing linebackers cleaner paths to the quarterback. For a defense that has lacked disruption for too long, Pearce offers a much-needed spark.
The Bigger Picture: Falcons’ Rebuild Takes Shape
This selection is about more than just 2025. It represents a strategic step in a larger rebuild that has seen the Falcons focus on drafting and developing high-upside talent. With young stars on both sides of the ball—including quarterback Desmond Ridder, running back Bijan Robinson, and tight end Kyle Pitts—the Falcons are assembling a core built to compete over the long term.
Pearce fits that vision perfectly. He’s young, coachable, and plays with the kind of energy and edge that can become infectious. His leadership potential, work ethic, and on-field production make him the kind of foundational player a franchise can build around.
What Scouts and Analysts Are Saying
NFL draft experts were quick to praise the Falcons’ selection of Pearce:
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network: “James Pearce is a big-time get for Atlanta. He has the best first step of any edge rusher in this class, and he’s just scratching the surface. He’ll be a double-digit sack guy early in his career.”
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: “This pick made too much sense. Atlanta desperately needed pass-rushing help, and Pearce brings not just ability but attitude. He’s the kind of guy you hate to play against but love to have on your side.”
Todd McShay, ESPN: “This is a classic case of best-player-available meeting team need. Pearce is ready to play right away and has All-Pro upside.”
Final Thoughts
By selecting James Pearce Jr., the Atlanta Falcons didn’t just add a pass rusher—they added a potential cornerstone of their defense. With rare athletic traits, a relentless motor, and SEC battle-tested experience, Pearce is well-positioned to make an immediate impact in Atlanta.
In a division where pressuring the quarterback is more important than ever, the Falcons made a statement: they’re building a defense to win now and in the future. If Pearce lives up to his potential, Atlanta may have landed one of the true gems of the 2025 NFL Draft.
And for Vols fans, it’s a moment of pride—watching one of their own make the leap to the next level, ready to wreak havoc on Sundays.
