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It's widely expected that the Atlanta Falcons will target an edge rusher in the 2025 NFL draft, and it's easy to see why. The team ranked second-to-last in sacks last season (31 total) and free agent Matthew Judon is not expected to return.
While the Falcons did sign outside linebacker Leonard Floyd in free agency, they will need more help up front if this defense expects to improve in 2025. According to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport, the team hosted Tennessee edge James Pearce Jr. on a pre-draft visit last week.
Pearce, a projected first-round selection, is very much in play for Atlanta at pick No. 15. The Volunteers standout also visited with the Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals, per Rapoport.
Pearce hasn't received as much hype as you'd expect for a projected first-round pick, but that's because the 2025 draft class is loaded at the edge position. On Pro Football Focus' big board, Pearce is one of six edge rushers ranked among the top 28 prospects, currently sitting at No. 23.
Over the last two seasons at Tennessee, Pearce racked up 21 sacks and 71 QB hurries. In 2024, he recorded a pass-rushing grade of 89.4.
"Pearce is the kind of athlete with the production and disruption scores you don't let out of the first round," PFF wrote in Pearce's scouting report. "His twitchy movements show difference-making NFL traits that can be situational at worst and All-Pro at best."
The team may be best served by trading back in the first round and picking up another mid-round pick since Atlanta only has five total draft selections. However, if the Falcons really like Pearce, they shouldn't wait around.
Other options for the team at pick No. 15 are Marshall edge Mike Green, Michigan cornerback Will Johnson and Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Falcons met with Tennessee EDGE James Pearce
Continue reading...
While the Falcons did sign outside linebacker Leonard Floyd in free agency, they will need more help up front if this defense expects to improve in 2025. According to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport, the team hosted Tennessee edge James Pearce Jr. on a pre-draft visit last week.
Pearce, a projected first-round selection, is very much in play for Atlanta at pick No. 15. The Volunteers standout also visited with the Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals, per Rapoport.
Pearce hasn't received as much hype as you'd expect for a projected first-round pick, but that's because the 2025 draft class is loaded at the edge position. On Pro Football Focus' big board, Pearce is one of six edge rushers ranked among the top 28 prospects, currently sitting at No. 23.
Over the last two seasons at Tennessee, Pearce racked up 21 sacks and 71 QB hurries. In 2024, he recorded a pass-rushing grade of 89.4.
"Pearce is the kind of athlete with the production and disruption scores you don't let out of the first round," PFF wrote in Pearce's scouting report. "His twitchy movements show difference-making NFL traits that can be situational at worst and All-Pro at best."
The team may be best served by trading back in the first round and picking up another mid-round pick since Atlanta only has five total draft selections. However, if the Falcons really like Pearce, they shouldn't wait around.
Other options for the team at pick No. 15 are Marshall edge Mike Green, Michigan cornerback Will Johnson and Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Falcons met with Tennessee EDGE James Pearce
Continue reading...
