NFL writer for NFL.com, Eric Edholm joined The Morning Shift & explained why the Atlanta Falcons shouldn’t be overly criticized for trading up for James Pearce Jr. & explained why the rookie edge rush

The Atlanta Falcons made a bold choice to double up on edge rushers in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. After Georgia's Jalon Walker fell into the team's lap at pick No. 15, Atlanta traded back into the first round to grab Tennessee's James Pearce Jr. with the 26th overall pick.

Jalon Walker also recorded a sack in Week 15, continuing his stellar rookie campaign. Despite missing some time, Walker has been wildly productive when healthy. Overall, Atlanta's two first-round picks have been a consistent bright spot in an otherwise down year.

James Pearce Jr. extended his sack streak and breaking the Falcons’ rookie record against Tampa Bay on Thursday Night Football.

While the Atlanta Falcons have been anything but consistent this season, rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has been a consistent bright spot in an otherwise disappointing year. Atlanta overcame a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter to upset the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the team couldn't have done it without Pearce.

The ESPN analyst and NFL safety didn't nail a bold prediction of his, but he's still certain of what the Atlanta Falcons linebacker can become

Falcons rookie James Pearce Jr. is having an excellent first season, extending a streak in Week 14 not seen since Micah Parsons' first year.

The Atlanta Falcons may not be playing for much, but one rookie is standing above the rest right now. For the sixth consecutive game, rookie pass rusher James Pearce Jr. has recorded a sack. That’s beyond exceptional for a player who many lambasted the team for trading back into the first round to get.

WALKER SACKED NEW England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye in Week 9, forcing a fumble. Pearce was there to recover it. The very next week, Pearce got a strip sack on Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, and Walker recovered it.

The Atlanta Falcons have had a 2025 season to forget, but rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has been a defensive marvel.

It's been a fantastic rookie season for current Atlanta Falcons edge rusher and former Tennessee standout James Pearce, Jr. Despite a forgettable 5-9 record, Pearce has turned things on over the last six weeks and should be a prime candidate for the league's Defensive Rookie of the Year award.