First-round pick James Pearce Jr. has been a training camp standout

Despite having limited resources, the Atlanta Falcons went into the offseason committed to improving their pass rush. The team scraped together $10 million to sign veteran edge rusher Leonard Floyd in free agency before adding two of the highest-rated edge rushers in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Falcons were praised by draft analysts for landing projected top-10 pick Jalon Walker with the 15th overall selection but earned mixed reviews for their decision to trade up for Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. later in the first round (pick No. 26).

Thus far in training camp, Pearce has quieted those doubters. The rookie has been disruptive as a pass rusher, and has helped the defense raise its intensity in practice.

Team reporter Will McFadden said Pearce continued to shine in his latest camp report. The former Volunteers standout was McFadden’s most notable player from Friday’s practice: 

It’s getting hard to keep the rookie out of this spot, because he makes it difficult to look away when he’s out there on the field. Regardless of who he’s up against, Pearce is giving each rep the energy it deserves and he’s making a lot of plays. He had what would very likely have been a sack on game day, and he batted down yet another pass at the line of scrimmage. This is a defense that wants to attack, and Pearce, at this point in camp, is often the tip of the spear. — Will McFadden, AtlantaFalcons.com

The Falcons have been happy to see Pearce thrive, even if it results in the occasional training camp brawl. Unfortunately, two of the team’s other rookies have been dealing with minor injuries. First-round pick Jalon Walker is dealing with a hamstring injury and has been limited to individual drills in practice.

Head coach Raheem Morris said it was not a long-term injury for Walker. Third-round pick Xavier Watts was limited to individual drills on Friday. Watts has received some reps with the first-team defense, so hopefully he can get back out there next week.

On Saturday, the Falcons signed veteran defensive back Grayland Arnold and released offensive tackle Kilian Zierer in a corresponding move. Check out the team’s updated 90-man roster HERE to keep up with the latest transactions.