Falcons: James Pearce Jr. addresses “character concerns”

There’s not a lot to dislike about James Pearce Jr. as a prospect, who the Falcons traded up to take with the 26th pick in the first round. He stands 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds with long arms and ran a 4.47 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He’s a freak of nature that was among the most productive pass rushers in the entire country in the most competitive conference in the country.

A year ago, it was believed James Pearce Jr. was going to be drafted in the top-five, then came the draft process and the dreaded question, “Does he love football?”

That’s why Pearce fell to the back half of the first round. Not because of his talent, not because of his collegiate production, not because of his physical traits, but because some teams weren’t convinced enough that he loved the game.

Which is a fair criticism if it’s true. Falcons fans should know that all too well after the entire Vic Beasley debacle. But Atlanta’s brass did their due diligence, even meeting with James Pearce Jr. and his mother the day before the draft to make sure he checked all of the boxes mentally.

After their trade, the #Falcons select at No. 26 #Tennessee edge James Pearce Jr, a player they've done extensive homework on.

In fact, the team met with Pearce and his mom yesterday, looking into his character. They believe the culture set by Raheem Morris will help.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 25, 2025

Pearce’s motor will be called into question constantly throughout his rookie campaign, but the newest member of the Falcons pass rush isn’t quite sure why that is the case.

“I don’t know where it came from,” Pearce said regarding the questions about his character, via Daniel Flick of Sports Illustrated. “I love the game.”

James Pearce Jr. on character questions:

"I don't know where it came from. I love the game."

— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) April 25, 2025

When it comes to the NFL Draft process, there’s so much smoke tossed around ahead of the first round that it is difficult to tell what is legitimate. However, 25 teams did pass over James Pearce Jr., and it’s hard to believe that would have happened had they not been tipped off about an issue.

The Falcons have spent years attempting to develop a positive culture around Flowery Branch. It’s part of the reason Raheem Morris got hired last offseason. He’s a players’ coach that guys love to compete for, and it’ll be his job to make sure he gets the most out of Pearce, who has the potential to be a double-digit sack guy in the NFL.

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Photo: Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire

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