As the NFL Draft creeps closer there continues to be questions about whether or not this will be the year the Falcons finally draft their franchise pass rusher. Earlier today Consulting Editor and NFL Draft analyst at Sportskeeda.com Tony Pauline joined The Morning Shift and explained why he has the Falcons drafting Tennessee defensive end James Pearce with the 15th overall pick in his latest mock draft over guys like Nic Scourton, Donovan Ezeiruaku, and Mike Green.
“He’s probably a little more versatile, a little more explosive, he seems a little faster on film, you can do more things with him in the sense that I just mentioned how [Nic] Scourton is good changing direction, getting out in space, and making plays, Pearce is better, he’s probably faster off the edge.” Pauline said
Now, Tony does wonder how Pearce’s 6’5 243 pound frame will hold up and evolve in the NFL, but even with that wonder he still believes Pearce will “create havoc” in opposing opponents’ backfield in the NFL.
“It’s gonna be interesting, his measurements at the combine are going to be very interesting and something to watch because on film he looks like a tall, thinner guy, and you have to wonder how he’s going to hold up against the run, but if you just want a guy off the edge that’s going to create havoc in the opponent’s backfield and chase the quarterback, Pearce is one of the better guys in this draft.” Tony said
After being 31st in the NFL in sacks this season the Falcons could desperately use a guy that will “create havoc” in the opponents backfield, so if Pearce is there at number 15 Falcons fans shouldn't be surprised if the Tennessee Volunteer ends up being the hopeful Falcons franchise pass rusher.
