Falcons OLB preview: Rookies Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr. to lead revamped EDGE group in 2025
The Atlanta Falcons finally got serious about upgrading their pass rush, selecting edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft and signing veteran Leonard Floyd. After letting Lorenzo Carter and Matthew Judon walk in free agency, Atlanta will look to this new trio to carry the unit this season.
Now that we’ve completed our post-draft position previews for the Falcons offense (QB, RB, WR, TE, OT, OG, C), it’s time to start breaking down the defense. Check out our preview of the team’s revamped outside linebacker units below.
ROLB depth chartJalon WalkerArnold EbiketieBralen TriceKhalid KareemLOLB depth chartJames Pearce Jr.Leonard FloydDeAngelo Malone
This is where the team’s depth chart starts to get tricky. While I think both rookies will be starting by the end of the season, Leonard Floyd and Arnold Ebiketie have the experience advantage. The team could initially use Walker in a hybrid role, alternating him between edge rusher and off-ball linebacker. Expect this group to rotate quite a bit while defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich finds a lineup that works best.
2025 salary cap hitsLeonard Floyd: $10,000,000Jalon Walker: $3,738,612James Pearce Jr.: $3,050,688Arnold Ebiketie: $2,805,948DeAngelo Malone: $1,663,957Bralen Trice: $1,347,667Khalid Kareem: $1,030,000
At $10 million, Floyd is by far the highest paid of Atlanta’s edge rushers in terms of his 2025 salary cap number. The Falcons have roughly $24 million in total cap space committed to the position this season. Rookies Walker and Pearce hold the second- and third-highest cap numbers at $3,738,612 and $3,050,688, respectively. Ebiketie isn’t far behind with cap hit of $2.8 million.
Top free agents availableZa’Darius SmithMatthew JudonVon MillerJalen Reeves-Maybin
As we just examined, the Falcons actually have a pretty deep group of outside linebackers. However, NFL teams always have to be aware of who’s available, and there are a few notable names. Smith is the top name on the list, but he’ll likely be signed before the season begins,. After that, it’s a mixture of veterans, including Matthew Judon and Von Miller.
Predictions/expectations for 2025
While there’s a lot to be excited about with this edge group, history suggests that fans should temper their expectations. Both Walker and Pearce have immense upside, but it may take some time before they hit their stride. Floyd is a solid veteran who I expect to play a big role, along with Ebiketie. Also, don’t sleep on Bralen Trice. The former third-round pick looked good before suffering a season-ending injury during the 2024 preseason.