Former Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has a new home after the 2025 NFL Draft, as the Atlanta Falcons traded up to draft him with the No. 26 overall pick.
Pearce joined SEC rival and former Georgia Bulldog Jalon Walker as the Falcons' two first-round picks on Friday. They were both welcomed by the Falcons organization, and the Falcons shared a video of each player arriving at the facilities on social media.
First day as Atlanta Falcons 👏@JalonWlaker x @JamesPearceJr10 pic.twitter.com/KLcVuf8R5f
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) April 27, 2025
The Falcons have shown excitement since drafting Pearce, sharing his 40-yard dash time on social media and additional draft content. The Falcons know his potential to be one of the best pass rushers in the NFL.
.@JamesPearceJr10 ran the fastest 40 among defensive linemen at the combine 🔥https://t.co/4yVnQQtuax pic.twitter.com/OklzAbXZak
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) April 25, 2025
Pearce is also excited to finally be in the NFL after a rough draft process since the conclusion of the 2024 season. He dropped in most mock drafts, but that didn't prevent the Falcons from trading back into the first round and drafting him.
"It was a blessing just to be able to say I am be in this position to play at the next level and chase my dreams," Pearce shared as he arrived to the Falcons' facility.
"The way [the Falcons] believed in me and believed in my skill and what they wanted to pull out of me, which is greatness and the best. I feel like they showed that by what they did [in the NFL Draft].
"I feel like that was a super positive thing they did and that fueled my fire, that put a lot of gasoline on there. Makes me want to go out there and play for this organization a lot harder."
It's clear Pearce is ready to get to work and quickly become one of the Falcons' young playmakers on an up-and-coming defense.