The Atlanta Falcons are setting realistic expectations for their newly drafted first-round pass rushers, Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season. Historically, first-round draft picks in the linebacker or defensive lineman positions have averaged 3.3 sacks in their rookie seasons over the past five years.
Falcons’ defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich believes that the team’s new attack-style front could help Walker and Pearce make an immediate impact by simplifying their responsibilities on the field. “I think part of the stuff that we will do schematically will lessen that burden,” Ulbrich said. “Because of that, I think they’ll have maybe a little bit more success early on than they would have otherwise.”
Ulbrich has a track record of developing young players, having previously worked with the New York Jets where he helped first-round picks Jermaine Johnson II and Will McDonald improve their sack numbers significantly from their rookie to second seasons.
The Falcons finished 31st in sacks last season and rank 32nd overall since 2019, which emphasizes the need for immediate improvement. Head coach Raheem Morris acknowledged the challenge of finding effective pass rushers but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to develop talent. “Make no mistake about it: It is very hard to find pass rushers,” Morris said. “It’s very hard to get out there in your first day and do it.”
Defensive line coach Nate Ollie also supports the attack-style front strategy, having seen its success at previous teams like the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans. Both Ulbrich and Ollie are optimistic about year-over-year improvements from young players under this system.
Walker was selected with the No. 15 pick after a trade with the Los Angeles Rams allowed them to choose Pearce at No. 26. Walker recorded 12.5 sacks over three seasons at Georgia, while Pearce tallied 19.5 sacks during his time at Tennessee.
Ulbrich noted that adapting from college football to professional play involves mastering complex skills like rushing the passer, which can take time for rookies to develop fully.
In preparation for their debut season starting September 7 against Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Walker and Pearce have completed rookie minicamp and are participating in Organized Team Activities (OTAs). The Falcons also bolstered their defense by signing veteran edge rusher Leonard Floyd and defensive lineman Morgan Fox.
Ulbrich emphasized that both rookies must earn starting positions through performance rather than draft status: “To be a starter on this defense, you have to earn that on the grass,” he said.
