The Atlanta Falcons heard the criticism regarding their lack of a pass rush and got serious about fixing it over the 2025 offseason. The team selected two first-round edge rushers in Jalon Walker James Pearce Jr., trading a future first-round pick in order to secure Pearce.
The Falcons‘ 2025 draft class has been a pleasant surprise through the first two games. Not only have Walker and Pearce helped the team improve its pressure rate (24.1 percent this season), but two other rookies are making an impact.
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Third-round pick Xavier Watts is Atlanta’s second-highest-graded player this season, and fourth-round pick Billy Bowman Jr. has solidified the nickel back position. All four rookies impressed in the team’s Week 2 win over the Minnesota Vikings.
Walker and Pearce recorded their first career sacks, while both Watts and Bowman came down with their first career interceptions. This early production has impressed several analysts around the league, including NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger.
In a new film breakdown, Baldinger highlighted the top Week 2 plays from Atlanta’s four rookies.
NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger on Falcons rookie class
Atlanta’s defense racked up six sacks and four turnovers against the Vikings. Offensively, running back Bijan Robinson carried the load, rushing for 143 yards and adding another 25 yards as a receiver. The team won the time of possession battle, committed less penalties, and out-gained Minnesota in total yards, 326-to-198, in Week 2.
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The Falcons will look to build upon their 22-6 victory when they take on the 0-2 Carolina Panthers this weekend. Check out the team’s latest injury report and depth chart for Sunday’s road matchup against the Panthers.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: NFL analyst praises rookie draft class