NFL

Falcons DC Recounts Being Shocked at First Meeting With First-Round Pass Rusher

Falcons DC Jeff Ulbrich expected James Pearce Jr. to be a little over 6 feet tall, but was shocked to discover his rookie edge rusher is 6' 5".
Falcons DC Recounts Being Shocked at First Meeting With First-Round Pass Rusher
James Pearce Jr. #27 of the Tennessee Volunteers defends against Devontae Houston #1 of the Connecticut Huskies and Chase Lundt #75 of the Connecticut Huskies at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Nov. 4, 2023. Donald Page/Getty Images
John Rigolizzo
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Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich recounted being shocked when he met first-round draft pick James Pearce Jr.

The Falcons traded back into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft to select Pearce out of Tennessee with the 26th pick. In an interview for the Falcons’ official website, Ulbrich praised Pearce’s blend of athleticism and technique, but said he was surprised when he met him in person because he expected Pearce to be much shorter than he actually is.
John Rigolizzo
John Rigolizzo
Author
John Rigolizzo is a writer from South Jersey. He previously wrote for the Daily Caller, Daily Wire, Campus Reform, and the America First Policy Institute.
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