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.

The Atlanta Falcons’ commitment to boosting their pass rush was on display at their rookie minicamp on Friday.