The Atlanta Falcons won their second straight game over the weekend, a 26-19 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Just one day after being signed to the team’s active roster, cornerback C.J. Henderson sealed the Falcons’ win with a fourth-quarter interception of Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett.

Rookie James Pearce Jr. recorded a half-sack to continue his streak, but the team’s 2025 draft class had an overall quiet day. Nonetheless, Pearce continues to lead all rookies with 8.5 sacks this season. Jalon Walker’s Week 16 stats don’t exactly jump off the page, but the rookie got the job done.

Let’s check out what Pro Football Focus had to say about Atlanta’s two first-round picks following the team’s Week 16 win over the Cardinals.

Jalon Walker Week 16 PFF grade: 57.8

Walker tallied just one tackle and couldn’t generate any pressure as a pass rusher in Atlanta’s win over the Cardinals in Week 16. He did record one positive grade in run defense early in the first quarter. Walker has two more chances to improve upon his solid 72.8 season-long PFF overall grade in games against the Rams and division rival Saints. – Dalton Wasserman, PFF

Walker hasn’t been as dominant as a pass rusher, but his run defense has been more consistent from week to week. This is why Pearce’s numbers routinely look better than Walker’s despite trailing his fellow rookie in overall PFF grade. Here’s what PFF had to say about Pearce in Week 16.

James Pearce Week 16 PFF grade: 51.9

For just the second time this season, Pearce did not record any pressure on an opposing quarterback. He did manage to bat down a pass against the Cardinals, but his PFF pass-rush grade remained at a pedestrian 56.8. He’ll have a chance at redemption in Week 17 in an interesting matchup with the team Atlanta traded with to acquire Pearce, the Rams. – Dalton Wasserman, PFF

The Falcons will face off against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football. This Week 17 matchup will give Pearce a chance to quiet the critics of Atlanta’s draft day trade.