Not too long ago, Tennessee standout EDGE James Pearce Jr. was considered a lock to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and some analysts even had him projected to land just outside of the Top 10. However, the latest buzz surrounding Pearce hasn’t been positive in recent weeks.
Regardless, Pearce got picked by the Atlanta Falcons, who traded up to the No. 26 spot in the first round to take the standout pass-rusher. The Falcons certainly took a big gamble here, especially considering how much they gave up in the trade with the Los Angeles Rams to land him. What caused his draft slide?
Falcons Face Blowback After James Pearce Jr. Gamble
Despite his undeniable talent, Tennessee EDGE James Pearce Jr.’s draft stock apparently collapsed over off-field concerns, with many citing “maturity” concerns as a reason for not drafting him. Now, the Falcons are under fire for betting big on him.
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According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, “Pearce was considered a divisive figure in the draft process. Sources told ESPN that Pearce was off multiple teams’ draft boards because of maturity concerns.”
Before the draft, an anonymous AFC director of player personnel reportedly said Pearce’s character is a big reason why his squad, in particular, wouldn’t consider drafting him, no matter how much he fell.
“Meanwhile, an NFC executive believes that the Falcons are taking a very big risk on Pearce Jr. ‘What concerns me is they gave up a first-rounder for a player with character concerns,’ says the NFC executive,’ the caption says.
Over the past two years, Pearce was a beast in the trenches for Tennessee and their head man, Josh Heupel.
He recorded 9.5 sacks in 2023 and followed that up with 7.5 more in 2024. Plenty of people in Knoxville hoped he’d return in 2025, but the NFL came calling instead.
James Pearce Jr. 2025 NFL Draft Hub: Scouting Report, Draft Projection, and More
While the Falcons certainly have their hands full with Pearce, to say the pick was a bust is a way too early assumption. Pearce’s talent on the field is there, if the Falcons can mold him into the person they want him to be off the field.
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