The Atlanta Falcons' selection of Jalon Walker has been almost universally praised, while the team's high trade price for James Pearce Jr. has caught heat. No matter where you fall on either rookie, there is no denying Atlanta's pass-rushing ceiling is drastically higher. Both Pearce and Walker project as day one starters who could both develop into double-digit sack artists. Aiding the excitement is how much worse things could be for the Falcons.
Edge rusher Shemar Stewart was a speculated target for Atlanta. On paper, the fit made sense with Stewart among the handful of the best edge rushing prospects expected to go in the first round. This expectation was aided by Mykel Williams coming off the board long before Atlanta's number was called. However, it appears the Falcons dodged a bullet choosing Walker and Pearce over the current Bengal. Stewart is currently refusing to take part in team workouts due to a contract dispute.
Shemar Stewart Already Creating Waves Is Further Proof the Falcons Made the Right Decision
Stewart opting to sit out is a major red flag for a rookie who is going to be protected against any potential injury. This is the type of power move that an established veteran player must earn the right to make. Even when it is earned, fans and front offices can view the decision to sit out with varying degrees of judgment.
For Atlanta, this drama is simply further confirmation that the team made the right call with their draft day choices. While the team did pay an incredibly high price for James Pearce, this will quickly be forgotten if the first-round pick develops into a franchise edge rushing option.
The Falcons are viewing this year's draft as a chance to take two shots at a position that doesn't appear as deep in next year's class. The Falcons also believe they will have a far lower draft pick in the 2026 season, believing Michael Penix Jr. starting for a full season means a playoff berth.
With this in mind, Atlanta took the right risks with James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker. Doing so has resulted in only positive offseason stories while the Bengals are stuck not only dealing with the drama of Shemar Stewart but last year's sack leader Trey Hendrickson, as well. Atlanta dodged a bullet and looks poised to take a huge step forward in the 2025 season.