The Pro Football Writers of America dropped their All-Rookie Team on Tuesday, and two names stood out for Falcons fans - edge rusher James Pearce Jr. and safety Xavier Watts. For a franchise that's been searching for defensive playmakers, this recognition isn’t just a feather in the cap - it’s a signal that Atlanta’s young core is starting to take shape.
Let’s start with Pearce Jr., who didn’t just flash potential - he delivered. The rookie led all first-year edge rushers in sacks, anchoring a Falcons pass rush that’s been historically quiet over the last decade.
But this year? Different story.
Pearce Jr. helped transform Atlanta’s pass rush from one of the league’s least productive units (31st in sacks in 2024) to one of the most dangerous (2nd in 2025 with a franchise-record 57 sacks). That’s not just improvement - that’s a culture shift.
And Pearce Jr. was at the heart of it.
Then there’s Xavier Watts, the ball-hawking safety who made an immediate impact on the back end. Watts led all rookies in interceptions and consistently found ways to make plays in coverage.
His instincts and range gave Atlanta a presence at safety it’s lacked in recent years. PFWA didn’t just name him to the All-Rookie Team - they also put him on their All-NFC Team, making him the only rookie to earn that distinction.
That’s elite company, and it speaks volumes about the kind of season he had.
Watts and Pearce Jr. aren’t just individual standouts - they’re foundational pieces for a defense that’s building something under returning defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. The Falcons don’t have anyone in the running for the big-name NFL awards this February, but this duo getting PFWA recognition is a strong consolation prize - and a well-deserved one.
They weren’t alone on the All-Rookie Team. Pearce Jr. was joined on the defensive line by Abdul Carter, Mason Graham, and Deone Walker.
Watts lined up alongside Nick Emmanwori in the secondary. Still, you could make a case that Atlanta had one more rookie who deserved a spot: linebacker Jalon Walker.
The former Georgia standout put together a strong campaign with 5.5 sacks, 36 tackles, five tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in 15 games. His numbers stack up well against Carter, who made the list with four sacks, 43 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries across 17 games.
It’s a close call, but Walker definitely made his presence felt.
As for the PFWA’s top rookie honors, Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan took home both Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year, while Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger earned Defensive Rookie of the Year. Schwesinger had a strong season - no doubt - but it’s hard to ignore what Pearce Jr. did for a Falcons defense that desperately needed a spark. He didn’t just fill a role; he helped redefine a unit.
For perspective, last year’s PFWA Defensive Rookie of the Year, Rams edge rusher Jared Versen, posted 4.5 sacks. Pearce Jr. outpaced that and did it while leading a defensive turnaround that few saw coming. Schwesinger may have gotten the spotlight, but Pearce Jr.’s impact in Atlanta was just as meaningful - if not more.
Looking ahead, the Falcons have something they haven’t had in a while: a young, ascending defensive core. Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker give them a formidable edge duo.
Watts is the kind of safety you can build around. And don’t forget Billy Bowman Jr., who’s expected to return strong after an Achilles injury cut his rookie season short.
The Falcons might not be racking up national awards just yet, but they’re stacking something more important - talent, production, and promise. And if this rookie class is any indication, Atlanta’s defense is finally turning the corner.