James Pearce
21-Year-Old
2024 Defense Stats
TCKL
0
SACKS
0.0
INT
0
FF
0
TD
0
2025 Projections
2025 Fantasy Outlook
After drafting Jalon Walker with the No. 15 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Falcons traded up and selected the versatile Pearce at No. 26 overall. A production dip in his final collegiate season caused Pearce to fall down some draft boards, but he tested well at the combine. The rookies need to revamp Atlanta's pass rush that finished with 31 sacks in 2024, second-fewest in the NFL. The Falcons also bolstered their pass-rushing corps by replacing Matthew Judon with veteran Leonard Floyd. Pearce projects to be an OLB that excels at getting after the QB in Atlanta's 3-4 defense. Read Past Outlooks
Signed a four-year contract with the Falcons in May of 2025.
Target of big trade-up by Atlanta
The Falcons selected Pearce in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 26th overall.
ANALYSIS
Atlanta made an aggressive play to move back up into the first round and double-tap edge rushers by adding Pearce after selecting Jalon Walker at 15. Pass rush has long been an issue in Atlanta and the front office is prioritizing changing that in this draft. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Falcons sent their second-round pick and next year's first-round pick to the Rams to get this deal done. As for Pearce, the Tennessee product was considered the potential No.1 overall pick in this year's class coming into the season. It didn't quite work out that way as Pearce's sack production dropped from 10.0 in 2023 to 7.5 in 2024. He tested well at the combine with 4.47 speed at 6-foot-5, but he is light for a conventional 3-4 outside linebacker. Jalon Walker has similar strengths and weaknesses, so Atlanta is certainly targeting a particular archetype with these two selections.
Atlanta made an aggressive play to move back up into the first round and double-tap edge rushers by adding Pearce after selecting Jalon Walker at 15. Pass rush has long been an issue in Atlanta and the front office is prioritizing changing that in this draft. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Falcons sent their second-round pick and next year's first-round pick to the Rams to get this deal done. As for Pearce, the Tennessee product was considered the potential No.1 overall pick in this year's class coming into the season. It didn't quite work out that way as Pearce's sack production dropped from 10.0 in 2023 to 7.5 in 2024. He tested well at the combine with 4.47 speed at 6-foot-5, but he is light for a conventional 3-4 outside linebacker. Jalon Walker has similar strengths and weaknesses, so Atlanta is certainly targeting a particular archetype with these two selections.
NFL Stats
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
Snap Counts
Snap %
Falcons 2024 DE Snap DistributionLoading Weekly Snap Counts...
2024 James Pearce Split Stats
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Measurables Review
How do James Pearce's measurables compare to other defensive ends?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
Height
6' 5"Weight
245 lbs40-Yard Dash
4.47 secVertical Jump
31.0 inBroad Jump
123 inHand Length
10.00 inArm Length
32.75 in
Latest Fantasy Rumors
Visits 49ers on Wednesday
Pearce visited the 49ers on Wednesday, with Albert Breer of SI.com noting that the purpose of the visit may have been to assuage concerns over Pearce's character.
ANALYSIS
While the exact nature of Pearce's character concerns is unclear, they may impact he draft stock of a player that was once viewed as a potential top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Pearce racked up 17.5 sacks over his last two years at Tennessee. The 49ers hold the 11th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
While the exact nature of Pearce's character concerns is unclear, they may impact he draft stock of a player that was once viewed as a potential top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Pearce racked up 17.5 sacks over his last two years at Tennessee. The 49ers hold the 11th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.