Updated Feb. 5, 2026, 11:01 p.m. ET
The Atlanta Falcons had two finalists for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award, but they went 0-for-2 at the 2026 NFL Honors ceremony Thursday night. First-round pick James Pearce Jr. and third-round pick Xavier Watts each struck out as Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger took home the award.
Schwesinger recorded 156 tackles (67 solo), 2.5 sacks and two interceptions. It was undoubtedly a nice year, but Pearce and Watts had nice seasons as well.
Atlanta traded up to get Pearce in the first-round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The former Tennessee standout led all rookies with 10.5 sacks, helping the Falcons pass rush go from 31st to second in total sacks. The team recorded a franchise-record 57 sacks last season.
Watts somehow fell to the third round despite his impressive interception totals in college, and he quickly proved capable of putting up similar numbers in the NFL. The former Notre Dame standout led all rookies with five interceptions, which was the second-most in the entire league.
So, how did fans react to the Falcons failing to secure the Defensive Rookie of the Year award?
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.NFL world reacts to Falcons losing Defensive Rookie of the Year
