James Pearce
22-Year-Old
2024 Defense Stats
TCKL
26
SACKS
10.5
INT
0
FF
1
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
Dazzles during rookie season
Pearce tallied 26 total tackles (17 solo), including 10.5 sacks, five passes defensed and one forced fumble over 17 regular-season games in 2025.
ANALYSIS
Pearce, a 2025 first-round pick from Tennessee, was one of the NFL's premier pass rushers during his rookie campaign, leading all rookies with 10.5 sacks and tying for the 12th most in the league. The 22-year-old made a significant impact on Atlanta's defense, helping the Falcons finish with the second-most sacks in the NFL (57.0) after ranking 24th in the same category last season. Pearce is expected to line up opposite fellow 2025 first-round pick Jalon Walker in 2026, forming one of league's most promising pass-rush duos.
Pearce, a 2025 first-round pick from Tennessee, was one of the NFL's premier pass rushers during his rookie campaign, leading all rookies with 10.5 sacks and tying for the 12th most in the league. The 22-year-old made a significant impact on Atlanta's defense, helping the Falcons finish with the second-most sacks in the NFL (57.0) after ranking 24th in the same category last season. Pearce is expected to line up opposite fellow 2025 first-round pick Jalon Walker in 2026, forming one of league's most promising pass-rush duos.
NFL Stats
Loading NFL Stats...
2025
Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
Snap Counts
Snap %
Loading Weekly Snap Counts...
2024 James Pearce Split Stats
Loading NFL Split Stats...
Measurables Review
How do James Pearce's measurables compare to other linebackers?
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
243 lbs40-Yard Dash
4.47 secVertical Jump
31.0 inBroad Jump
123 inHand Length
10.00 inArm Length
32.75 in
Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring James Pearce See More
IDP fantasy football analysis for Week 18 with player trends, snap counts and waiver wire pickups to help you build a winning fantasy lineup.
NFL game preview for the Week 17 Monday night matchup with betting picks and fantasy football tips to help you prep for Rams-Falcons.
NFL game preview for the Week 17 matchups with betting picks and fantasy football tips to help you prep for Sunday's games.
Friday's NFL injury report for Week 16, with key updates, player news and fantasy football implications to help you make smart lineup decisions.
NFL game preview for the Week 16 Monday night matchup with betting picks and fantasy football tips to help you prep for 49ers-Colts.
More Fantasy News
Cleared to face Rams
Pearce (neck) was a full participant in Saturday's practice and does not carry an injury designation for Monday's game against the Rams.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Limited in practice Friday
Pearce (neck) was a limited participant in Friday's practice, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Estimated as limited participant
Pearce (neck) is listed as limited on Thursday's estimated practice report, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Productive in win
Pearce registered two tackles (one solo), including 0.5 sacks, in Atlanta's win over the Cardinals on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Cleared to play vs. Arizona
Pearce (foot) is active for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
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.