Falcons Emphasize Versatility and Defensive Identity in NFL Draft Strategy

Atlanta, GA – As the 2025 NFL Draft continues to unfold, the Atlanta Falcons are making aggressive moves to reshape their defense. After trading back into the first round, the Falcons selected University of Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. with the No. 26 overall pick — a move that reflects the organization’s unwavering commitment to adding speed, versatility, and pressure to its defensive front.

In a bold trade with the Los Angeles Rams, Atlanta gave up its 2026 first-round pick, along with picks No. 46 and 242 in this year’s draft. In return, the Falcons received the No. 26 pick to land Pearce and an additional selection at No. 101 overall in the third round of this year’s draft.

Unlocking Defensive Potential

Head coach Raheem Morris praised Pearce’s explosiveness and his ability to impact both the run and pass game. “He’s dynamic off the edge,” Morris said. “You feel him immediately — he brings that fire and finish we look for in a pass rusher. He’s a natural fit for what we’re building.”

General manager Terry Fontenot echoed the excitement, noting Pearce’s elite athleticism and relentless motor. “It’s about speed, aggression, and being disruptive,” Fontenot said. “We didn’t know if he’d still be there at 26, but once we saw the opportunity, we moved quickly. James is going to make an immediate impact.”

A Surprise at No. 15: Enter Jalon Walker

Earlier in the draft, the central figure of discussion was a high-impact, versatile defensive player Jalon Walker — whose selection at the 15th overall pick both surprised and delighted the Falcons’ leadership team.

Walker’s ability to line up in multiple positions and apply pressure in both the run and pass game caught the attention of coaches and scouts alike. “He’s explosive off the snap — you feel his presence on every play,” said Morris. “What separates him is his ability to play smart, fast, and physical football with character to match.”

Building a Culture, Not Just a Roster

Character was a recurring theme throughout the team’s draft meetings. Fontenot highlighted a personal meeting with Walker and his mother, reinforcing the importance of knowing who represents the Falcons’ brand.

“It’s bigger than football,” Fontenot said. “We want men who reflect the culture we’re building. Meeting with him and his mother gave us full confidence — he’s not just a great player, he’s a great person.”

The Parsons Comparison: Let Jalon Be Jalon

When asked about inevitable comparisons between Walker and Cowboys star Micah Parsons, Coach Morris acknowledged the mentorship relationship between the two but cautioned against pigeonholing the young Falcon.

“Micah’s incredible, no doubt, but Jalon has to be his own man,” he said. “We respect both players. What excites us is Jalon’s potential to create his own identity in our system.”

Vision for the Future

Coach Morris and GM Fontenot closed the press conference with optimism about the draft’s remaining rounds. “We’ve still got picks, and we’re not done yet,” Fontenot said. “This class is deep, and we’re going to stay aggressive. The goal is to keep building — smart, fast, and physical.”

With the additions of Jalon Walker at No. 15 and James Pearce Jr. at No. 26, the Falcons are not just adding talent — they’re reinforcing a defensive identity that could define the next era of Atlanta football.