All five of the Atlanta Falcons’ 2025 draft picks participated in their first preseason game against the Detroit Lions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday. First-round selections Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. reflected on their experiences after the matchup.
Walker, who played 19 defensive snaps and two special teams snaps, registered one tackle in his debut. “The first run out, it was insane,” Walker said. “I’d never ran out in a Falcons uniform before, and the opportunity for me to do so was like no other. I was truly blessed. I know I shouldn’t take it for granted. Every snap is a meaningful snap.”
Pearce took part in 18 defensive snaps but did not record any statistics as the Lions often adjusted their offense to avoid him. “It’s their job to be able to slow down the game a little bit, be able to help themselves,” Pearce said. “That’s just what’s going on in the league, slowing down the game, especially since edge rushers can be so impactful.” He added that he is working with coaches to improve his pass-rush angles and aims for a sack in future games.
Both players are reviewing film with coaches as they prepare for upcoming preseason contests. Pearce described playing on an NFL stage as different and exciting: “It’s different being out there on the biggest stage,” he said. “Just different from that standpoint. Excited. Some nerves. Everything going on. It was fun.”
Other rookies also saw significant action during the game: safety Xavier Watts logged 21 defensive snaps and one special teams snap, making one tackle; defensive back Billy Bowman Jr., also with 21 defensive snaps and seven special teams plays, made a tackle on special teams; offensive lineman Jack Nelson started at right tackle, playing all 38 offensive snaps plus three on special teams.
“It was a game for us to go out there and then just to get our feet wet.” Walker said about his first NFL appearance.
Cornerback Mike Ford Jr.’s end zone pass breakup against wide receiver Casey Washington stood out as a notable play during practice sessions following the game.
Edge rusher Bralen Trice addressed his absence from Friday’s contest due to knee management after missing last season with an ACL injury: “Nothing negative. Just taking care of my knee, making sure I get through the preseason,” Trice said.
Several players were absent from Monday’s practice due to injuries or other reasons, including Darnell Mooney (shoulder), Jamal Agnew, Clark Phillips II, Carlos Washington Jr., Keith Taylor (hamstring), Malik Verdon (Non-Football Injury list), Troy Andersen (Physically Unable to Perform list), and Storm Norton (lower-body injury).
Recent signings Ronnie Harrison and Jake Hanson participated in practice wearing Nos. 36 and 72 respectively.
During team drills, starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. completed eight of fourteen passes with one touchdown throw to Drake London; backup Kirk Cousins went eight-for-twelve with a touchdown pass to David Sills V.
Veteran tackles Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary sat out full-team drills for rest while rookies Jack Nelson and Brandon Parker filled those roles during practice periods—valuable experience for Nelson ahead of regular season play.
The Falcons will continue training camp Tuesday at IBM Performance Field with joint practices scheduled alongside the Tennessee Titans ahead of another preseason matchup set for Friday evening at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
There are now 27 days remaining until Atlanta opens its regular season against Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home.
