Falcons rookies find new homes in Todd McShay’s 2025 NFL redraft.

The Atlanta Falcons have been more bad than good this season, but their rookie draft class has more than held its own. After failing to establish a respectable pass rush for the past decade, first-round picks Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. have done their part to shift the narrative.

The Falcons currently rank second in the NFL with 50 total sacks this season. Pearce leads all rookies with 8.5 sacks, while Walker ranks second with 5.5 sacks. Atlanta was thrilled to land Walker with the 15th overall pick, and the team felt strongly enough about Pearce to trade away a future first-round pick for him.

The pick that the Falcons traded to the Rams is currently slated for 12th overall, but head coach Raheem Morris has no regrets about the move thus far. In fact, you could make a case that Pearce is the favorite for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Longtime NFL draft expert Todd McShay released a 2025 NFL redraft for The Ringer, which featured both Walker and Pearce going in the top 10 picks. Walker went third overall in McShay’s redraft.

Jalon Walker goes 3rd overall to Giants

“Jalon Walker was one of the 10 best football players and I couldn’t believe he got to 15,” said McShay. “You give me an edge rusher who can play off the ball a little bit, who’s tough. The production this year — he’s been an A-plus pick for Atlanta at 15. And he’s a leader and he’s a locker room guy. So I’m going Jalon Walker here at No. 3.”

James Pearce Jr. goes 9th overall to Saints

“Highest player on my board right now is James Pearce,” said McShay. “He’s been absolutely awesome in Atlanta. Statistically, I think the best pass rusher from the rookie class… “I’m going James Pearce here.”

The Falcons were criticized for trading up for Pearce, but it’s hard to argue with the results. Atlanta also received a third-round pick from the Rams that the team was able to turn into safety Xavier Watts. All three rookies have been key contributors this year.

For as much criticism as Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot receives, he absolutely nailed the 2025 NFL draft. Atlanta will host Los Angeles this week on Monday Night Football, so Pearce will get the chance to show the Rams what they missed out on. Monday’s game starts at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.