The Atlanta Falcons addressed their pass rush on Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft after recording the second-fewest sacks in the league last season. Earlier in the draft, the front office selected versatile linebacker Jalon Walker 15th overall. The Falcons made another splash, trading up with the Rams to select James Pearce Jr. with the 26th overall pick.
James Pearce Jr. had a solid college career with Tennessee
James Pearce committed to the Tennessee Volunteers as a four-star recruit for the 2022 season. Pearce had a solid tenure with Tennessee, registering 71 tackles, 30 TFLs, 19.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles in 39 career games. His accolades include a First-Team All-SEC in 2023 and 2024.
Pearce had a solid junior year, albeit recording fewer sacks, but put up impressive numbers and had a very high pass-rush win rate. He recorded 38 tackles, 13 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in 13 games. He also posted 55 pressures and a staggering 23.0% pass-rush win rate.
James Pearce Jr.’s combine measurements
- Height: 6-foot-5
- Weight: 245 pounds
- Arm Length: 32 3/4″
- Hand Size: 10″
- RAS: 9.4
Here’s Lance Zierlein’s scouting report
“Pearce is a tight-hipped, linear pass rusher with explosive take-offs and good speed-to-power but a lack of bend to flatten at the top. His high pressure rate is partially derived from an instinctive feel for positioning, allowing him to work around protection for quick wins into the pocket.
“He’s very long but narrow through his hips, so the build-out of his frame might be limited. Pearce knows how to play around blocks and has the speed to close and tackle, but his base is naturally narrow and lacks bend. He’ll need to improve his strength and technique as an NFL run defender. Despite those concerns, Pearce’s length, twitch and rush production create a higher ceiling.”
