The Los Angeles Rams may be the most underrated winner of the 2025 NFL Draft's first night.
That's because they just picked up a 2026 first-round pick in a deal with the Falcons.
Atlanta really wanted James Pearce Jr., a defensive end from Tennessee.
"He could be the next best pass rusher in this draft after Abdul Carter," said ESPN's Louis Riddick.
It could cost them down the road.
The full trade details from NFL Network's Mike Garafolo:
Falcons receive: No. 26 pick (James Pearce); No. 101 pick
Rams receive: No. 46 pick, No. 242 pick, 2026 first-round pick
SN's NFL DRAFT HQ: Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Top 250 big board
That's more than the Giants paid to move up to No. 25 and select a quarterback, Jaxson Dart.
The Rams will be rooting for second-year QB Michael Penix Jr. to struggle big time so they get a high pick in 2026.
The Falcons decided they needed to chase their first special pass rusher in a long time.
According to ESPN, the Falcons have finished bottom-two in the NFL in sacks in four of the last six years.
Pearce had 10.0 sacks in 2023 for the Volunteers, which fell to 7.5 in his final season in Knoxville.
He's not much of a run stopper, but rather a natural pin-his-ears-back and go get the QB kind of defender.
If it works out for Atlanta, it'll feel just fine.
There's a definite chance this trade backfires in a big way down the road, though.
MORE NFL DRAFT:
- Browns' Travis Hunter trade mistake could be a generational error
- Steelers' Aaron Rodgers pursuit down to 2 outcomes after Shedeur Sanders choice
- Giants trade back in to first round to get Jaxson Dart
- Giants' Abdul Carter comparison to Micah Parsons makes sense for 3 reasons
- Panthers commit to Bryce Young with Tetairoa McMillan pick
- Browns draft Michigan star instead of Hunter
- Bears fail at Ashton Jeanty pursuit as Raiders draft next star RB
- Jets make unexciting pick at No. 7 instead of Tyler Warren
- Saints' Aaron Rodgers pursuit still alive after QB decision
- Bears just drafted Ben Johnson's new Sam LaPorta
- Cowboys draft pick Tyler Booker so excited, gives Roger Goodell huge bear hug
- Colts' Tyler Warren is biggest steal of NFL Draft first round
- Falcons' Jalon Walker draws comparison to Super Bowl hero
- Bengals draft Trey Hendrickson replacement with riskiest pick of first round
- Meet Grey Zabel, Seahawks new offensive lineman from NDSU
- Buccaneers draft Chris Godwin replacement in Emeka Egbuka
- Chargers' Najee Harris signing complicates Omarion Hampton draft pick
- Packers end crazy WR first-round drought with Matthew Golden pick