FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has ignited training camp with a blend of speed, aggression, and raw talent, turning heads and sparking excitement at the team’s facility. Selected 26th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft after a trade with the Los Angeles Rams, Pearce has wasted no time showcasing why the Falcons invested heavily to bolster their pass rush.
Pearce, a former Tennessee standout, brings elite athleticism to Atlanta’s defense. His 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Combine, the fastest among edge rushers, has translated to the practice field. During the third day of camp, Pearce disrupted plays with relentless pressure, consistently challenging the Falcons’ starting offensive line. He beat veteran tackle Jake Matthews off the edge, drawing a holding penalty that negated a potential touchdown. His quick first step and explosive bursts have left offensive linemen scrambling, a promising sign for a team that ranked near the bottom of the NFL with just 31 sacks in 2024.
The rookie’s fiery demeanor has also stirred the pot. On Sunday, Pearce found himself at the center of two scuffles, first clashing with center Ryan Neuzil and later with right tackle Kaleb McGary. The altercations, while intense, underscored the aggressive culture defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich aims to instill. Veteran linebacker Leonard Floyd stepped in to calm Pearce, offering mentorship to channel his passion without crossing the line. Despite the heated moments, Pearce’s competitive spirit has earned respect. Left guard Matthew Bergeron, one of his sparring partners, later praised Pearce’s disruptive presence, noting his potential to win games.
Pearce’s on-field impact extends beyond physicality. In a red-zone drill, he tipped a pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins, catching the veteran’s attention. Cousins sought out Pearce after practice to discuss the play, a testament to the rookie’s ability to make an impression. His 2024 college stats—38 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 13 tackles for loss—highlight his knack for getting after the quarterback, a skill Atlanta desperately needs. With 17.5 sacks over his final two seasons at Tennessee, Pearce’s pass-rushing prowess could be a game-changer for a defense looking to shed its lackluster reputation.
Teammates and coaches see Pearce as part of a broader defensive overhaul. Paired with fellow first-round pick Jalon Walker, who missed recent practices with a minor injury, Pearce forms half of a dynamic rookie duo tasked with revitalizing Atlanta’s edge rush. Veteran Pro Bowl guard Chris Lindstrom lauded the rookie class’s preparation, while linebacker Kaden Elliss highlighted their explosiveness. Head coach Raheem Morris has noted a newfound “edge” in the team, an attitude Pearce embodies with his relentless work ethic and physical play.
As training camp progresses, Pearce continues to run primarily with the second-team defense, yet his ability to pressure starting linemen suggests a starting role may come sooner than expected. With the preseason looming, Pearce’s blend of speed, aggression, and raw potential positions him as a cornerstone of Atlanta’s defensive revival.
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