The Atlanta Falcons traded back into the first round of the NFL draft Thursday night, acquiring the No. 26 overall pick from the Los Angeles Rams. With that pick, Atlanta took edge rusher James Pearce Jr. out of Tennessee after earlier selecting linebacker Jalon Walker of Georgia with their original pick at No. 15.
To get the No. 26 pick, the Falcons paid a hefty price. They sent the Rams second-round (No. 46) and seventh-round picks (No. 242) this year, as well as their first-round pick in 2026. In addition to the 26th pick, Atlanta received a third-round pick this year (No.