The Atlanta Falcons may not be lighting up the standings this season, but if you’re looking for a reason to believe in the future down in the Dirty South, look no further than their rookie pass-rushing duo: Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. In a year where wins have been hard to come by, these two have been a bright spot-maybe even the foundation of a defensive resurgence in Atlanta.
Through 15 weeks, Walker and Pearce haven’t just been good-they’ve been elite among their rookie peers. They currently lead all first-year players in sacks, and that’s not just a fun stat for the media guide.
It’s a testament to how quickly they’ve adjusted to the speed and complexity of the NFL. And it hasn’t gone unnoticed.
NFL analyst Bucky Brooks recently handed out grades for all 32 first-round picks from the 2025 NFL Draft, and both Falcons rookies came away with top marks.
Walker, the Georgia product, earned an A+ from Brooks, who praised his rare mix of speed, quickness, and explosiveness off the edge. It’s not hard to see why.
Even in limited starts-just eight due to injury-Walker has racked up 5.5 sacks and nine quarterback hits. He’s been a problem for offensive tackles all year, showing the kind of disruptive ability that doesn’t just show up in box scores but changes offensive game plans.
Pearce, meanwhile, received an A grade-and while some might raise an eyebrow at the difference between his and Walker’s grades, the production speaks for itself. Pearce is in the middle of a six-game sack streak and leads all rookies with eight sacks.
He’s coming off a two-sack performance against Baker Mayfield on Thursday Night Football, and he’s doing it with a variety of speed-rush moves that showcase his elite first-step burst. Brooks called him “as good as advertised,” and that feels like an understatement.
It’s worth remembering that Pearce didn’t come without cost. The Falcons traded up to get him, giving up their 2026 first-round pick in the process.
At the time, that move drew some criticism. But now?
It’s looking like a masterstroke. Atlanta didn’t just get a pass-rusher-they got a cornerstone.
And when you pair him with Walker, you suddenly have two bookend EDGE rushers who are already making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.
That kind of production from two rookies is rare, especially in a season where the team as a whole has struggled. At 5-9, head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot are under pressure.
But if there’s one thing that could help buy them more time, it’s hitting on first-round picks-and they’ve clearly done that here. Brooks’ grades for other first-round pass-rushers-Abdul Carter and Shemar Stewart received D’s, while Mykel Williams got a B-highlight just how well Atlanta did in this draft class.
And here’s the kicker: both Walker and Pearce are just 21 years old. That’s not just a fun fact-it’s a signal that what we’re seeing might only be the beginning.
They’re still learning, still growing, and already producing at a high level. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich and head coach Raheem Morris have been vocal in their praise, and with good reason.
These two are giving the Falcons something they haven’t had in a long time: a legitimate, homegrown pass rush with long-term upside.
So while the Falcons’ record might not scream “contender” right now, their defensive front is starting to look like something that could anchor this team for years to come. And if Walker and Pearce keep this up, they won’t just be in the mix for Defensive Rookie of the Year-they’ll be changing the trajectory of this franchise.