Atlanta, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Former NFL safety Louis Riddick predicts that Atlanta Falcons rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr. will lead the NFL in sacks this season. Pearce, selected 26th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, has showcased impressive skills in training camp. With the Falcons’ previous struggles in pass rush, Pearce’s performance will be crucial. His preseason stats indicate strong potential, and if he can achieve seven sacks, it would mark a turnaround for the team’s defense.
Atlanta
Former NFL safety and ESPN analyst Louis Riddick has made a striking prediction that Atlanta Falcons rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr. will lead the NFL in sacks during the upcoming season. Riddick has described Pearce as “unblockable” throughout training camp, suggesting that he could become one of the league’s most impactful defenders.
Introduction of Pearce to the Falcons came after the team traded back into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. They selected Pearce as the 26th overall pick, moving up by sending the Los Angeles Rams their second-round pick (No. 46), a seventh-round pick (No. 242), and a first-round pick in 2026. In return, the Falcons gained a 2025 third-round pick (No. 101), which was utilized to acquire safety Xavier Watts.
Last season, the Falcons struggled significantly with their pass rush, finishing 31st in the NFL in sacks. There was an evident need to enhance their defensive line, prompting their commitment to Pearce. The rookie has quickly become a highlight during the offseason, displaying remarkable speed and athleticism during training camp and in preseason matchups.
Performance in Preseason
In two preseason games, Pearce demonstrated his abilities by achieving seven pressures, placing him just behind teammate Gabriel Murphy. Additionally, his 21.1 percent pass rush win rate secured him the sixth position among players with 26 or more snaps in the preseason. Historically, leading sack totals in recent years have required players to reach or exceed 15 sacks, as shown by Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson’s league-leading total of 17.5 sacks in 2024.
If Pearce achieves a respectable total of seven sacks in his rookie year, it would mark a significant accomplishment for the Falcons. No Atlanta defender has reached that level since Takkarist McKinley in 2018. Despite skepticism surrounding the trade that brought Pearce to the team, a successful debut season could potentially alter the narrative regarding Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot’s decision.
Draft and Background
Pearce was among the top-rated players in the 2025 draft, praised for his explosive playstyle and strong potential for growth, particularly in run defense. The Falcons’ coaching staff highlighted not just his physical talent, but also his character and work ethic, further solidifying their decision to trade up for him. The combination of Pearce’s skills and the team’s strategic draft moves indicates a significant investment in bolstering their defensive line.
As the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on Pearce to see if he can live up to Riddick’s bold prediction and become a standout player in the NFL.
FAQs
Who is James Pearce Jr.?
James Pearce Jr. is a rookie edge rusher for the Atlanta Falcons, selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. He is noted for his speed and athleticism.
What was predicted by Louis Riddick?
Louis Riddick predicted that James Pearce Jr. will lead the NFL in sacks during his rookie season.
What did the Falcons give up to draft Pearce?
The Falcons traded their 2025 second-round pick (No. 46), a seventh-round pick (No. 242), and a first-round pick in 2026 to move up to the 26th overall pick.
What was Pearce’s performance in the preseason?
Pearce recorded seven pressures in two preseason games and had a 21.1 percent pass rush win rate.
When was the last time an Atlanta defender had seven sacks in a season?
The last Atlanta defender to achieve seven sacks in a season was Takkarist McKinley in 2018.
Key Features of James Pearce Jr.’s Prediction
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Prediction | Lead NFL in sacks |
| Draft Position | 26th overall in 2025 |
| Rookie Stats | 7 pressures in preseason |
| Pass Rush Win Rate | 21.1% in preseason |
| Last 7+ Sack Season by Falcons | 2018 by Takkarist McKinley |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Atlanta Falcons Focus on Offseason Developments
Additional Resources
- SI: ESPN Bold Prediction on Falcons
- On3: James Pearce Analysis
- AtoZ Sports: 2025 NFL Mock Draft
- SI: ESPN Prediction on Falcons Season
- JoeBucFan: Falcons Draft James Pearce
- Wikipedia: Atlanta Falcons
- Google Search: James Pearce NFL
- Google Scholar: James Pearce NFL Draft
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta Falcons
- Google News: Atlanta Falcons
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
