The Atlanta Falcons kicked off their rookie minicamp on Friday, introducing Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., the team’s first-round selections from April’s draft, to the NFL. Both players expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity.
“Just some work. Some good, successful hard work,” Walker commented after practice when asked about his expectations for a successful minicamp. “Making sure I’m acclimated. Making sure I’m ahead of schedule. Ahead of the ball. Ahead of the playbook and everything.”
The Falcons have focused heavily on strengthening their defense during the 2025 offseason, notably by drafting these two SEC pass rushers in the first round. The team sees them as key to improving a long-standing issue with their pass rush.
However, achieving this goal is not immediate, and adapting to NFL life can be challenging for rookies.
“The expectations of it all is really just to get the guys acclimated to how we do things,” said Falcons head coach Raheem Morris. “Get these guys acclimated to the lift so next week, when they’re with the vets, they don’t slow them down when they’re on their racks.”
Walker made an impression in his single season as a starter at Georgia, leading his team with 6.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss while earning praise for his character. Pearce was noted for his athletic prowess and recorded 17.5 sacks over two seasons at Tennessee.
“Just be effective,” Pearce stated regarding his Year 1 goals. “I’m not going to put numbers on it or stuff like that.”
The newcomers will have support from veteran Leonard Floyd, who joined Atlanta this offseason and is expected to play a significant role both on and off the field. Additionally, Bralen Trice returns after missing last year due to injury.
Two second-year players, Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus are anticipated to take on larger roles than in their rookie seasons, signaling potential changes for Atlanta’s defensive front which has struggled with sack numbers since 2020.
“Normally I get beat up all year about not getting sacks, and that’s got to change,” Morris acknowledged.
During practice sessions on Friday, Walker and Pearce were seen working together at their outside backer positions—a testament to their versatility that attracted them to Atlanta.
“It’s competition everywhere,” Walker remarked about entering this new environment with excitement for Monday’s full team meeting.
