When the Atlanta Falcons traded back into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft and drafted James Pearce Jr. with the 26th overall pick the move was looked at as very risky by national media, local media, and Falcons fans because to trade back up into the first round the Falcons had to give up their first round pick for the 2026 NFL Draft.
However, over the last six games Pearce Jr. has recorded 7.5 of his eight sacks, and it looks like the move is and will pay off in the long run for Atlanta. Earlier today, NFL writer for NFL.com, Eric Edholm joined The Morning Shift and explained why the Falcons shouldn’t be overly criticized for trading up for Pearce Jr. and explained why the rookie edge rusher’s first season should be looked at as a success despite the team’s losing record and the Falcons not having their 2026 first round pick.
“Don’t hold it against the young man, he’s playing well right? I mean, let's look at the positive here. I understand that the cost was pretty dear, and it’s not his fault that the team is losing and the pick is increasing in value. He’s done his job, he and Jalon Walker are an exciting pair. I can’t wait to see them grow together and what the Falcons can do with them going forward, I mean the four defensive picks made sense to me and have sort of proven them right in some ways.” Edholm said
So far James Pearce Jr. has proven the Falcons right to trade up for him, and the Falcons paying the cost to get Pearce Jr. shouldn’t be criticized nor should Pearce Jr. be criticized because of the team as a whole not meeting expectations this season.