NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported after the draft that the Falcons would have been willing to draft Pearce at No. 15 had Walker already been off the board. Pearce racked up 17.5 sacks over his last two college seasons and clocked a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine in February.

Falcons coach Raheem Morris said the team expects its top rookies "to play a significant amount of football” this season.

CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso didn't let what the Atlanta Falcons gave up for edge rusher James Pearce Jr. impact his expectations for the rookie.