The Atlanta Falcons may not have had a large number of picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, but they certainly made the most of it by heavily focusing on strengthening their defense. With only five picks in hand, the Falcons used two of their first-round selections on standout edge rushers from the SEC – Jalon Walker from the University of Georgia and James Pearce Jr. from an undisclosed team.

The Falcons’ decision to go all-in on improving their defense through the draft has been met with both excitement and skepticism from fans and critics alike. However, there’s one thing that can’t be denied – the Falcons are making a statement and are committed to building a strong and dominant defense.

Let’s take a closer look at the two talented rookies that the Falcons have added to their roster through the 2025 NFL Draft.

First up, we have Jalon Walker, who is coming off a stellar college career at the University of Georgia. The 6’3″, 245-pound outside linebacker was a force to be reckoned with on the field, constantly disrupting opposing offenses with his speed and agility. With an impressive 15 sacks and 25 tackles for loss in his final year with the Bulldogs, Walker has proven himself to be a top-tier edge rusher.

But it’s not just his on-field performance that has caught the attention of the Falcons’ coaching staff. Walker’s work ethic and dedication to his craft have also been praised. He’s known to be a fierce competitor who always strives to improve and make an impact on the field. His drive and determination are qualities that the Falcons’ coaching staff values highly and will undoubtedly play a significant role in his success at the professional level.

Next up, we have James Pearce Jr., an edge rusher from an undisclosed team in the SEC. While there’s not much information available on Pearce’s college career, the Falcons saw something in him that made them use their second first-round pick on him. At 6’5″, 260 pounds, Pearce has the size and strength to overpower opposing offensive linemen and get to the quarterback.

But what truly sets Pearce apart is his versatility. He has the speed and athleticism to play both as a traditional edge rusher and as an inside pass rusher, making him a valuable asset to the Falcons’ defensive strategy. With his immense potential and the opportunity to learn from the Falcons’ veteran pass rushers, Pearce has the potential to become a key contributor to the team’s defense.

The Falcons’ decision to invest heavily in their defense through the draft may surprise some, especially considering their offensive struggles in recent years. However, it’s a strategic move that could pay off tremendously in the long run. With a strong defense, the Falcons can give their offense the time and support it needs to develop and improve.

But it’s not just their on-field abilities that have made these two rookies stand out. Both Walker and Pearce have already become fan favorites due to their flashy and unique custom chains. Walker’s chain is a nod to his alma mater, featuring the Georgia Bulldogs’ logo, while Pearce’s chain is a symbol of his hometown roots.

The viral success of their custom chains has only added to the excitement and hype surrounding these two rookies. It’s clear that they are not only talented players but also have a sense of style and personality that Falcons fans can get behind.

In conclusion, the Falcons may have only had five picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, but they have certainly made the most of it by adding two talented and promising edge rushers to their defense. Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. have the potential to become cornerstones of the Falcons’ defense for years to come, and their impact both on and off the field is already being felt. With the 2025 season just around the corner, Falcons fans have every reason to be excited about the future of their team. Rise up, Falcons!