Pearce was one of the Falcons’ two first-round draft picks specifically brought in to improve the Falcons’ pass rush. Atlanta selected him with the No. 26 pick after trading with the Los Angeles Rams to move back into the first round to take him. That trade required the Falcons to give up their 2026 first-round draft pick.
Well, Pearce has played in every game this season and recorded four sacks, including a sack in the Falcons’ last three games. He had a career-high 1.5 in New Orleans.
Edge rusher Jalon Walker, whom the Falcons selected at No. 15 with their original 2025 first-round pick, has also lived up to his billing. Walker has played in all but two games this season and accounted for five sacks, which are the most among NFL rookies this season. Four of those sacks have come in the last three games, and he had one in New Orleans.
“It’s great seeing them hit their strides,” said Falcons defensive lineman David Onyemata. “When you first get in the league, you’re kind of trying to figure out yourself. But once you start hitting your stride, once you start get going, great things can happen.”
Defensive linemen Brandon Dorlus, who had 1.5 sacks, and Ruke Orhorhoro, who had the fifth and final team sack on Sunday, rounded out the rest of the Falcons’ total against the Saints. They were drafted in 2024 and are part of the young nucleus the team is building on the defensive line.
Dorlus now has six sacks, which leads the Falcons this season, while Orhorhoro has 2.5.
“I’m glad they’re balling,” Falcons inside linebacker Divine Deablo said. “They’re still young guys. We still have so much room to grow. I’m excited to see what’s to come.”
The Falcons boast 39 sacks through 11 games. Last year, they had 31 in all 17 games.
Atlanta’s primary offseason mission of improving its pass rush — something that has long eluded the organization — has been undoubtedly accomplished in 2025. Another is still in the works; the Falcons’ playoff chances may be low, but they are still alive.
“Winning and doing your job and playing with your brothers is always contagious,” Pearce said. “Those are always contagious things. That’s what we just bond off of right there.”
