Atlanta received a B grade from Bleacher Report after taking Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker and Tennessee edge-rusher James Pearce Jr. in the first round and following up with Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts, Oklahoma safety Billy Bowman Jr. and Wisconsin offensive tackle Jack Nelson.

Former Tennessee star James Pearce Jr. joins the Atlanta Falcons, landing in a system perfectly suited for his explosive pass-rushing talents.

The Falcons moved up 20 spots, from 46 to 26, and 141 spots, from 242 to 101, in the trade with the Rams. They paid a 2026 first-rounder to do it, which is a steep price. Kiper continues, citing that price.