With the 26th pick on the 2025 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select James Pearce Jr., an edge-rusher from the Tennessee Volunteers.

The 2025 NFL Draft is poised to be a pivotal moment for many franchises looking to bolster their rosters, and for the Atlanta Falcons, the 26th overall pick marks a chance to solidify their defense with a high-impact player. In a draft rich with talent, the Falcons have made a strategic decision to address a critical need on their defensive line by selecting James Pearce Jr., an edge rusher from the Tennessee Volunteers. Pearce’s selection comes with high expectations, as the Falcons aim to add a dynamic playmaker to their defense to improve their pass rush and, ultimately, their overall defensive production.

James Pearce Jr.’s Background

James Pearce Jr. grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, and quickly developed a passion for football. A standout in high school, Pearce was known for his combination of speed, athleticism, and physicality on the field. His skills quickly caught the attention of college recruiters, and by the time he entered the University of Tennessee, he had already earned a reputation as one of the top edge rusher prospects in the nation.

Pearce initially struggled to find consistent playing time early in his collegiate career, but he eventually broke through in his sophomore year, earning a starting role and impressing coaches, scouts, and teammates alike. His raw physical tools were evident from the start—standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing around 255 pounds, Pearce combined a long frame with quickness and agility that made him a nightmare for offensive linemen. His ability to get off the line of scrimmage and close on quarterbacks quickly became one of his most defining traits.

In his junior season at Tennessee, Pearce elevated his game to new heights. He recorded 12 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in the 2024 season, earning All-SEC honors and solidifying his place as one of the top defensive prospects in the country. Pearce’s quickness and relentless motor made him a consistent force on the edge, and his ability to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks was a key factor in Tennessee’s defensive success. His performances in big games, including victories over SEC rivals like Alabama and Florida, only further cemented his status as a top-tier draft prospect.

Strengths of James Pearce Jr.

The Atlanta Falcons’ decision to select Pearce at the 26th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft comes with the understanding that he possesses a unique blend of physical attributes and skill set that makes him a potentially game-changing player on the edge of their defense. Let’s take a deeper dive into the strengths that Pearce brings to the table and why he fits so well with the Falcons.

1. Elite Athleticism

James Pearce Jr. stands out due to his athleticism, which is one of the most coveted traits for edge rushers in the NFL. His combination of speed, agility, and strength allows him to be effective in both pass-rushing and run-stopping situations. Pearce is capable of exploding off the line of scrimmage with exceptional burst, and his ability to change direction quickly enables him to pursue quarterbacks or ball carriers with precision. His quickness in space and ability to cover ground make him an extremely dangerous player when rushing the passer.

His speed also allows him to take advantage of offensive linemen who may be slower to react. Pearce has developed an impressive first step, making him a constant threat to blow by blockers in a blink of an eye. As NFL quarterbacks continue to get faster and more mobile, having a player like Pearce who can both chase down the pocket and pressure from the edge is a major asset.

2. Pass-Rush Technique

Pearce’s ability to rush the passer is perhaps his most refined skill. Over his time at Tennessee, he developed a variety of moves to deceive and defeat blockers, including a powerful bull rush, a deadly spin move, and effective hand usage. His strength in hand-to-hand combat allows him to shed blockers with relative ease, while his speed and agility let him dip underneath blockers and get around the edge.

Pearce’s pass-rush repertoire was evident in his 12-sack season in 2024, as he demonstrated an uncanny ability to consistently disrupt passing plays. His combination of power and finesse is key in his success as a pass rusher, and he’s capable of turning the corner on tackles while maintaining his balance and speed to finish the play. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and force hurried throws is a trait that will translate well to the NFL.

3. Versatility

While Pearce is known primarily as an edge rusher, he has the versatility to line up in different positions along the defensive front. He is capable of playing both as a traditional 4-3 defensive end or as a 3-4 outside linebacker. His athleticism and flexibility allow him to drop into coverage when needed, which is a valuable trait in today’s NFL, where edge rushers are increasingly required to perform multiple roles in both the pass rush and in coverage. Pearce’s ability to operate in both 4-3 and 3-4 defensive schemes gives the Falcons flexibility in how they use him, making him a more valuable asset.

4. Motor and Work Ethic

One of Pearce’s most lauded qualities is his motor. He has a relentless drive and consistently plays with a high level of energy from the first whistle to the last. This is especially important for edge rushers, as constant pressure on the quarterback can wear down offensive linemen and lead to mistakes. Pearce’s non-stop effort helps him stay involved in plays even if he initially gets blocked. He has a reputation for pursuing plays downfield, whether it’s chasing down the quarterback after a broken play or chasing down a running back on an outside run.

Pearce’s relentless motor, combined with his work ethic, has earned him respect among his teammates and coaches at Tennessee. It’s this mentality that the Falcons hope to bring to their defense in 2025.

What Pearce Brings to the Falcons

For the Atlanta Falcons, selecting James Pearce Jr. at the 26th overall pick represents an opportunity to significantly improve their pass rush and overall defensive performance. The Falcons have been in a rebuilding phase over the past few seasons, and they’ve focused heavily on improving their defense, including their pass-rush unit. While they have some talent on the defensive line, including promising players like Grady Jarrett and Arnold Ebiketie, Pearce will add another dynamic edge rusher capable of taking over games.

The Falcons’ defense has often struggled to consistently generate pressure on the quarterback, especially in crucial moments. Last season, they ranked 24th in the NFL in sacks, and their inability to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks has been a key reason for their struggles. With Pearce, the Falcons hope to change that narrative.

Pearce’s ability to disrupt the pocket and generate consistent pressure will be crucial for the Falcons. By having a dominant pass rusher on the edge, the Falcons can help their secondary, which has been inconsistent in recent years, by forcing quarterbacks into hurried throws and creating turnovers. Pearce’s versatility also gives the Falcons’ defensive coordinator the flexibility to use him in a variety of ways, allowing for creative defensive schemes.

Pairing Pearce with the Falcons’ Defense

Pairing Pearce with veteran players like Grady Jarrett, who is one of the league’s top interior defensive linemen, will give the Falcons a strong defensive front. Jarrett’s ability to collapse the pocket from the inside will complement Pearce’s ability to pressure from the edge. The combination of the two will give opposing quarterbacks less time to survey the field and more obstacles to navigate in the pocket.

Furthermore, Pearce’s relentless work ethic and high motor align with the Falcons’ philosophy of building a tough, physical defense. Falcons head coach Arthur Smith has emphasized the importance of tough, hard-nosed football, and Pearce embodies that mentality. His commitment to improving every aspect of his game, coupled with his natural athleticism, will allow him to thrive in Atlanta’s defensive system.