There is a level of excitement around the Atlanta Falcons' 2025 draft class that hasn't existed in recent memory. Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr., Billy Bowman, and Xavier Watts are all expected to play meaningful roles in Atlanta's defense. The two pass rushers are especially exciting given how awful the unit has played in recent seasons. Still, there is no debating that former Georgia Bulldogs star Jalon Walker has been stealing all of the early headlines. Considering the talent of Walker and the ability to play multiple positions, this is somewhat understandable.
However, it does mean that Pearce's potential impact and fit within defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich's scheme are being overrated. The pass rusher was a first-round talent who wasn't given his due credit simply because of the price Atlanta paid. It was almost universally agreed that the pass rusher deserved to go in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. However, when the Falcons spend a 2026 first-round pick to be able to trade up for Pearce, the most was given an unfair amount of heat.
Falcons Rookie James Pearce Jr. is Deserving of More Hype
This has translated into Pearce going overlooked despite the potential of being a productive double-digit sack option. While rookie seasons for pass rushers often take a bit of patience, there is reason to wonder if Walker or Pearce could be outliers. Both players are going to benefit from far more reps than many rookies based on Atlanta's lack of options.
Regardless, the point remains that Pearce deserves far more attention for his potential and the ceiling he could bring to the Atlanta defense. Holding the price the Falcons paid to draft the edge rusher against him isn't a fair take. It is one that is in love with the hypothetical and doesn't deal with the reality of needing to spend a first-round pick to garner another.
It is the path that the Falcons chose and has given the team the most exciting edge rushing duo fans have seen in recent franchise history. No question, Pearce and Walker deserve equal coverage as both players continue to impress early in the 2025 offseason.