Falcons may take gamble on SEC standouts, despite 'red flags,' says NFL Draft analyst

The Atlanta Falcons may have the worst-kept secret in the 2025 NFL Draft when it comes to the position they’re targeting. Still, with their track record on draft night, surprises are never out of the question.

After finishing with just 31 sacks last season — the second fewest in the NFL — and losing veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett to the Chicago Bears in free agency, it’s clear the Falcons need reinforcements on their defensive front. They added former 49ers edge rusher Leonard Floyd and Chargers defensive tackle Morgan Fox this offseason, but neither represents a long-term foundational piece.

Atlanta needs young, dynamic talent up front — and they’ll likely be looking to find it with the No. 15 overall pick.

With this year’s draft class loaded at edge rusher, the Falcons have been consistently linked to several defensive linemen. According to NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay, Atlanta has its eye on Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. and Ole Miss standout Walter Nolen — and may be willing to look past certain red flags tied to both players.

“Atlanta—James Pearce and Walter Nolen are two guys I keep hearing,” McShay said on The McShay Show. “They’ve got some red flags. Some football character red flags attached to them. I’m hearing Atlanta may be perfectly fine to overlook those things.”

Pearce was arrested in December 2023 during a traffic stop in Knoxville after reportedly disobeying police instructions. He was pulled over for driving 63 mph in a 35 mph zone. When asked about the incident at Tennessee’s pro day, Pearce pushed back on concerns about his character.

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“I’m a great guy. I’m a great teammate, a great player,” Pearce said. “I’m a people person. I’ve got a good heart.”

On the field, Pearce produced in a big way during his three-year college career, finishing with 71 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 19.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception.

As for Nolen, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Ole Miss lineman — who transferred Texas A&M in 2024 — had a reputation for leaving practice mid-session due to frustration.

Despite that history, Nolen had a breakout season with the Rebels, earning consensus All-American honors while posting 14 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and three pass deflections as an interior force.

Whether the Falcons lean toward the explosive edge threat in Pearce or the disruptive interior presence in Nolen, one thing is clear: they’re willing to take a chance if the talent is worth the risk.