"Worst trade in draft history": Falcons fans troll Atlanta for giving up multiple picks for James Pearce Jr.

Atlanta Falcons fans were unhappy with the franchise for trading multiple picks in order to draft former Tennessee Volunteers player James Pearce Jr. The first round of the 2025 NFL draft occurred on Thursday, and the Falcons made a trade with the Los Angeles Rams to get the 26th pick and acquire Pearce.

Atlanta gave up the 46th pick, the 242nd pick and a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft to the Rams in exchange for the 26th pick and the 101st pick.

Fans expressed their disapproval on social media.

"worst trade in draft history," a fan wrote on X.

"Hahahaha, he is good but giving up so much for him! Wow. I really like that they are going all in on the D-line, but still. Great to improve that side - he is a very good pass rusher, so I like that. A grade for the pick, C for the price," another fan commented.

"Giving up a first to take a second edge? Absolute disaster class," a third fan replied.

Fans pointed out how ineffective this option would be for the Falcons when the season rolls in.

"This is an awful trade for the Falcons tbh but I don't hate the pick they just gave up too much for it," a fan wrote.

"They gave up too much for him," a fan shared.

"Lmao Falcons are the worst drafting franchise in history lmaoooooooo," a sixth fan commented.

James Pearce Jr.'s final season with the Tennessee Volunteers

Pearce left the Tennessee Volunteers for the 2025 NFL draft after his junior year. Last season, the edge rusher finished with 38 total tackles (23 solo), 7.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.

His best performance of his junior year was in Tennessee's 23-17 overtime win against the Florida Gators on Oct. 12. He played a key role in his team's victory with seven total tackles (three solo) and one forced fumble.

On Dec. 21, Pearce Jr. played his final game of his college football career, registering three tackles in a loss against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first round of the College Football Playoff.