The ESPN analyst and NFL safety didn't nail a bold prediction of his, but he's still certain of what the Atlanta Falcons linebacker can become

James Pearce Jr. extended his sack streak and breaking the Falcons’ rookie record against Tampa Bay on Thursday Night Football.

Last offseason, the Atlanta Falcons traded up into the first round of the 2025 NFL draft to select edge rusher James Pearce Jr. with the 26th overall pick. Pearce currently leads all rookies with eight sacks and has recorded at least one in each of his last six games.

It's been a fantastic rookie season for current Atlanta Falcons edge rusher and former Tennessee standout James Pearce, Jr. Despite a forgettable 5-9 record, Pearce has turned things on over the last six weeks and should be a prime candidate for the league's Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

WALKER SACKED NEW England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye in Week 9, forcing a fumble. Pearce was there to recover it. The very next week, Pearce got a strip sack on Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, and Walker recovered it.

CINCINNATI — The Bengals are hoping to bolster their pass rush this offseason. Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. may be the perfect fit. Pearce impressed during his workouts on Thursday in Indianapolis, running a 4.5-second 40-yard dash (96th ...

Pearce has now registered a sack in each of the last five games, which is the longest current streak in the NFL. The last rookie to accomplish this feat was former Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons. Pearce now has six sacks on the season, which is tied with defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus for the team lead.

January 16 - Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. Pearce, who made the announcement on social media Wednesday, will forgo his senior season. He projects as a first-round pick in April's draft. Listed at 6-foot-5 and ...

The Atlanta Falcons held an official-30 visit with one of the most polarizing pass rush prospects in the 2025 NFL draft. Atlanta hosted University of Tennessee outside linebacker James Pearce Jr. last week, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.

Falcons rookie James Pearce Jr. is having an excellent first season, extending a streak in Week 14 not seen since Micah Parsons' first year.