James Pearce Jr. DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Atlanta Falcons signed rookie first-round edge rusher James Pearce Jr. to a four-year, fully guaranteed deal on Monday, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Falcons made a big trade back up -- they gave up a second-rounder this year and a first-rounder next year -- into the first round of this year's draft to take Pearce with the 26th overall pick to help bolster the defensive side of the ball. The team also took linebacker Jalon Walker at 15th overall. Pearce was originally a potential top-five draft pick before he underwhelmed a bit in his senior season at Tennessee with 7.5 sacks. His size is a question mark for an outside edge rusher, but Pearce's athleticism isn't in question. The Falcons are hoping their selections of both Pearce and Walker pay off immediately and boost their pass rush in 2025.