Night 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, where 32 players came off the board. Two of those players were drafted by the Atlanta Falcons as they look to help add more juice to the roster.
With the 15th overall pick, the Falcons drafted Georgia LB Jalon Walker. They didn't stand pat and got back into the first round to nab James Pearce Jr. with the 26th overall pick. Atlanta did have to pay a hefty price, though, giving up a second-round (No. 46) and seventh-round picks (No. 242) this year, in addition to their first-round pick in 2026. Furthermore, to the 26th pick, Atlanta received a third-round pick this year (No. 101).
Despite the big price, the Falcons are thrilled to add an athletic force off the edge to wreak havoc.
Pearce Jr. has been a Falcon for less than 24 hours, and he's already taking some jabs at the Carolina Panthers. During a presser on Friday, he was asked about playing against his hometown team. The rookie pass rusher said, "They passed up on me, so that will be fun."
Falcons edge James Pearce Jr. says of getting to play his hometown Carolina Panthers twice a year: "They passed up on me, so that will be fun."
— Will McFadden (@willmcfadden) April 25, 2025
James Pearce Jr. Already Eyeing Matchups Against Carolina Panthers
The Panthers drafted Tetairoa McMillan with the eighth pick to improve their offense. Walker and Pearce Jr. are two players who could have helped their pass rush, but Carolina wanted to go in a different direction.
However, for Pearce Jr., who is from Charlotte, N.C., this hits differently. It's always a dream for a player to get drafted by his hometown team and suit up for them. That won't be the case here, but that doesn't mean Pearce Jr. isn't looking forward to doing damage against that team.
He's an explosive and bendy force screaming off the edge. Pearce Jr. owns a good pass rush plan and was effective in college. In 39 games at Tennessee, he posted 71 total tackles, 30 TFLs, and 19.5 sacks.
The Falcons look for him to bring that juice to their defense, and he's already looking forward to terrorizing the Panthers. And that has to be music to the ears of the fanbase.