Falcons acquire first-rounder from Rams and select Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr.

Defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. of the Tennessee Volunteers during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 28, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)

The Atlanta Falcons acquired the No. 26 overall pick in the first round of the NFL draft from the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night and used the pick to select Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr.

The Falcons, who selected Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker at No. 15, added more pass rush help by adding Pearce to their draft class.

Big picture view:

The Falcons sent the Rams their 2026 first-round pick as well as second-round and seventh-round selections in this year’s draft. The Falcons also obtained a third-round selection from the Rams in this year’s draft.

The picks in this year’s draft acquired by the Rams are No. 46 overall in the second round and No. 242 in the seventh round.

The Source: The Associated Press based this article on the proceedings during the first night of the 2025 NFL Draft.

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