While all eyes will be on Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr., a lot of the hope that Falcons’ fans have going into 2025 resides on the other side of the ball with rookie edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. Expectations for an early return are high after using next year’s first-round pick on Pearce. Being a first-round pass rusher means that, barring injury, you need to step out on the field and produce from the first snap.