The Atlanta Falcons have been tasked with replacing linebacker Kaden Elliss after Elliss signed with the New Orleans Saints when free agency started back in March, and one route the Falcons could take in replacing Kaden is moving Jalon Walker to linebacker, which is a position he played a fair amount of during his time with the Georgia Bulldogs.
If the Falcons do go that route that could increase the chances of Atlanta drafting an edge rusher in this year’s NFL Draft, which most draft analysts have said are deep in this draft, and with the 2026 NFL Draft starting tonight earlier today The Morning Shift talked about who they think could be the best EDGE the Falcons can draft with the 48th overall pick if they indeed decide to move Jalon Walker to linebacker.
“Texas A&M EDGE Cashius Howell is a guy that could maybe fall in that range to you, depending on what happens with runs on positions, that’s a type of player you could look at and it could allow you not only, depending on what happens with James Pearce Jr., either replace him or pair him with Pearce Jr., and then keep Jalon Walker on the field.” Beau Morgan said
Earlier today, Pearce entered into a six-month pre-trial intervention program that, if conditions are met, will result in all charges being dismissed, per attorneys Jacob Nunez and Yale Sanford. This agreement was made in consultation with the city of Doral and the victim, Rickea Jackson. There is no jail time and no admission of guilt.
Now, this doesn’t mean James Pearce Jr. will definitely continue being an Atlanta Falcon now, but it’s definitely good news for Atlanta, and if he does continue playing for the Falcons and Atlanta does end up drafting Cashius Howell that would give them the flexibility to move Jalon to linebacker if they want, and potentially have Pearce Jr., Walker, and Howell all on the field at the same time, and that could make a very much improved Falcons pass rush even better.
