Atlanta lost to the New York Jets by 3 points on the road in Week 13.

Despite holding a seven-point lead over the New York Jets midway through the fourth quarter, the Atlanta Falcons found a way to lose yet again in Week 13. While the Falcons’ season is essentially over, their rookie class has continued to thrive in recent weeks.

The team’s two first-round picks, James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker, are tied for first among rookies with five sacks apiece. Pearce has recorded a sack in four straight games and is coming on strong over the second half of the season.

While Walker did not record a sack against the Jets, the former Georgia standout earned a higher Pro Football Focus grade than Pearce in Week 13. Walker’s three pressures helped him earn a PFF grade of 72.7.

PFF’s Dalton Wasserman broke down all 32 first-round picks after Week 13. Here’s what he had to say about Walker and Pearce.

Jalon Walker Week 13 grade: 72.7

Walker turned in a solid effort against the Jets that included three tackles and three pressures. He was also able to record a tackle for loss while peeling back to defend a screen pass. Walker has recorded an excellent 83.2 PFF overall grade over his past four games, which ranks as a top-10 mark among qualified edge defenders. — Dalton Wasserman, PFF

James Pearce Jr. Week 13 grade: 55.3

Pearce posted a season-high 73.2 PFF pass-rush grade in Week 13 against the Jets while recording a sack for the fourth game in a row. His closing speed is a real threat to quarterbacks, and he could’ve easily had another sack had he not missed a tackle on Tyrod Taylor. His overall performance is dragged down a bit by his 45.7 PFF run-defense grade, but Pearce is continuing to make his presence felt in the passing game. — Dalton Wasserman, PFF

The Falcons have two productive first-round picks, but third-round pick Xavier Watts has more than held his own as one of the team’s two staring safeties. Watts leads all rookies with three interceptions this season. The former Notre Dame standout recorded a 57.9 PFF grade in Week 13.

Watts finished with two tackles and one pass defended against the Jets. The Falcons defense played well for much of Sunday’s loss but gave up too many big plays late. Tyrod Taylor was able to lead his team to 13 fourth-quarter points. Atlanta has dropped to 4-8 for the season, but at least the team has some promising young talent.