When the Atlanta Falcons made the aggressive move to trade away their 2026 first-round pick for edge rusher James Pearce, it raised more than a few eyebrows around the league. Not because Pearce isn't talented-he absolutely is-but because giving up a premium draft asset always invites scrutiny, especially when the return isn’t a quarterback or a proven veteran. Now that the season’s in the books and the draft order is set, we’re starting to see just how steep the price tag might’ve been.
The Falcons wrapped up their 2025 campaign at 8-9, which would’ve landed them the 13th overall pick in the upcoming draft. Instead, that pick now belongs to the Los Angeles Rams-a team that came painfully close to a Super Bowl berth and is now in prime position to reload with top-tier talent.
And according to NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah’s first mock draft, the Rams aren’t wasting any time dreaming big. He has them using that 13th pick-originally Atlanta’s-to snag USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, a dynamic playmaker who fits perfectly into LA’s already potent offense.
Pairing Lemon with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams? That’s the kind of move that could keep defensive coordinators up at night.
Jeremiah put it simply: “The Rams value tough, rugged receivers who are also playmakers. It would almost be unfair to add Lemon to an offense that already includes Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.”
It’s a scary thought for the rest of the NFC-and a tough pill for the Falcons to swallow.
Atlanta’s new regime, now led by head coach Kevin Stefanski, will be watching from the sidelines as a conference rival potentially adds another weapon to an already loaded arsenal. That’s not an easy reality to face, especially when you consider what could’ve been. The Falcons have offensive talent-there’s no question about that-but in today’s NFL, you can never have too many difference-makers, especially with a coach like Stefanski who knows how to scheme them open.
Of course, none of this means the Falcons lost the trade. James Pearce has already flashed serious potential off the edge, and if he continues to develop into a true game-wrecker, Atlanta may look back on the deal with pride. Edge rushers who can consistently disrupt the pocket are rare, and Pearce has the tools to be that guy.
But the reality is this: without a first-round pick in April, the Falcons are going to have to dig deep in the later rounds. The margin for error gets thinner when you’re not picking in the top 15.
Hitting on mid-round prospects becomes essential. Scouting, development, and roster construction all take on even greater importance.
The Falcons made a bet-a big one. And while early returns on Pearce are promising, the full picture won’t come into focus until we see how both he and that 13th pick pan out over the next few seasons. For now, all Atlanta can do is watch and wait.