Not every national media pundit was pleased with the Falcons draft; some even giving Atlanta’s trade back into the first round to select James Pearce Jr. a failing grade.

However, the Falcons came into the weekend with clear needs on defense that have existed for years, and it’s possible they came away with as many as four instant contributors on that side of the ball. Even if it only turns out to be 2-3, that should be considered a win when they only had five selections, tying the 2006 draft class for the smallest in franchise history.

Falcons Favorite Pick

The easy choice here is Jalon Walker, and trust me, he was my dream selection in the first round. I thought for sure he’d go before the Falcons were on the clock, and it looked like he might even remain in the NFC South, with both the Panthers and Saints looking to stock up on pass rushers as well.

Jalon Walker is exactly what the Falcons need, and Terry Fontenot didn’t overthink it. However, snagging Xavier Watts at pick #96 is what really made the draft for me. He’s a ballhawking safety with a high IQ that can instantly step in next to Jessie Bates III and start from Day 1. It was a massive need for the Falcons defense, and they might have found an answer late in the third round. That’s a home run if it turns out to be the case.

With Atlanta’s pass rush adding a lot of juice this offseason, the secondary now has the opportunity to be much better than it has been in a long time, especially if Billy Bowman Jr. — Atlanta’s fourth round selection — can effectively play nickel, or perhaps even an UDFA like Cobee Bryant out of Kansas.

Falcons Least Favorite Pick

This one is almost impossible because it was a small draft class that addressed Atlanta’s biggest areas of concern. But if I had to choose, it’s the trade back into the first round on Day 1 for James Pearce Jr.

I actually like Pearce, especially at pick #26. He’s a freak athlete with as high a ceiling as any pass rusher in this draft class. However, he does have a very slender frame as he enters the league, and the questions about his intestinal fortitude are legitimate, which is why 25 other teams passed over him.

If the Falcons initially owned the 26th pick in the draft, there really would be nothing to complain about, but they are taking a massive risk with this trade. Not only are they relying on James Pearce Jr. to reach his potential, but they are also betting on Michael Penix Jr. to carry this team to the postseason in his first year as a full time starter. If he doesn’t, this could be a move the Falcons look back on and regret.

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