After selecting two pass rushers in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons face questions regarding the potential impact of rookies Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. In response, Terrin Waack, a reporter for the Falcons digital team, examined first-round draft picks from the past five years who were linebackers or defensive linemen to evaluate their sack counts since entering the league.
The analysis considered all players in front positions rather than those in secondary roles to maintain simplicity. The study aims to provide insights into how these new additions might perform based on historical data.
Below are the results compiled from recent drafts:
In 2024, the Falcons selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with their first-round pick at No. 8. The team’s pass rush was ranked 31st with a total of 31 sacks, led by outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie with six sacks.
For 2023, running back Bijan Robinson was chosen as the eighth overall pick. That year, Atlanta’s pass rush ranked 21st with 42 sacks. Defensive end Calais Campbell and outside linebacker Bud Dupree topped the list with 6.5 sacks each.
Wide receiver Drake London was picked in 2022 at No. 8 overall, leading to a ranking of 31st in total sacks for that year with only 21 recorded. Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett emerged as the top pass rusher with six sacks.
In 2021, tight end Kyle Pitts was drafted fourth overall. The Falcons ended up last in total sacks at No. 32 with just 18 sacks, where outside linebacker Dante Fowler had the highest count at 4.5 sacks.
Finally, cornerback AJ Terrell was selected as the No.16 pick in 2020 when Atlanta achieved a ranking of No.23 for total sacks with a count of 29; outside linebacker Deion Jones recorded a team-high of 4.5 sacks.
This data provides context for evaluating how Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr.’s contributions could align with previous performances by similar players in recent history.
