Atlanta’s first-round duo earns elite grades from NFL.com.
The Atlanta Falcons made a bold choice to double up on edge rushers in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. After Georgia’s Jalon Walker fell into the team’s lap at pick No. 15, Atlanta traded back into the first round to grab Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. with the 26th overall pick.
There were many skeptics after the Falcons moved up for Pearce, but it’s hard to argue with the results through the first 15 weeks of the season. While the team won’t be headed to the playoffs this year, Walker and Pearce have thrived in Atlanta.
Pearce leads all rookies with eight sacks, while Walker ranks second with 5.5 sacks. The duo’s emergence has helped turn around the Falcons’ pass rush after roughly a decade of futility.
NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks graded all 32 first-round picks from the 2025 NFL draft. Both of Atlanta’s rookie edge rushers received generous grades from Brooks. Walker and Colts tight end Tyler Warren were the only players to receive an A+.
NFL.com’s grade for Jalon Walker: A+
It is hard to deal with speed, quickness and explosiveness off the edge. Walker’s unique skills have overwhelmed offensive tackles, resulting in consistent disruption and production for the Georgia product. — Bucky Brooks
Pearce wasn’t far behind, either. The former Volunteers standout received a solid “A” grade from NFL.com. Brooks praised the rookie’s pass-rushing ability.
NFL.com’s grade for James Pearce: A
When it comes to hunting quarterbacks off the edge, this pass-rushing specialist has been as good as advertised. Pearce leads all rookies with eight sacks, displaying the first-step quickness and burst to blow past blockers utilizing various speed-rush maneuvers. — Bucky Brooks
Last season, the Falcons ranked 31st in the NFL with just 31 total sacks. This year, they have 48 sacks with three games left to play. While there’s been plenty to dislike about the 2025 season, it’s hard to deny the progress Atlanta’s front seven has made over the first 15 weeks.
The Falcons will face the Arizona Cardinals in Week 16. Sunday’s game kicks off at 4:05 p.m. ET at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.