The Falcons took a lot of heat for sending their 2026 first-round pick to the Rams on Thursday so they could draft James Pearce, Jr. at No. 26 overall.

While time will tell whether it was the right move, oddsmakers do see the vision.

Pearce, Jr. and Jalon Walker have both been placed among the favorites to win Defensive Rookie of the Year by DraftKings.

Walker is second behind only Abdul Carter, while Pearce is ahead of several defensive players chosen ahead of him.

2025 Defensive ROY Favorites

• Abdul Carter +225
• Jalon Walker +650
• Travis Hunter +850
• Mykel Williams +850
• James Pearce, Jr. +1200
• Mason Graham +1400
• Malaki Starks +1400
• Walter Nolen +1600
• Shemar Stewart +1600
• Jihaad Campell +1800
• Jahdae Barron +1800
• Mike Green +2200

Walker was the sixth defensive player off the board, behind Hunter, Carter, Graham, Williams and Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant.

The Falcons were thrilled he was available at No. 15 overall, and there is certainly playing time available on defense. Pearce, Jr. was the 11th defensive player off the board but has leapfrogged many taken before him in Defensive Player of the Year odds.

Liam Solomon, odds expert for Great Offshore Sportsbooks, agrees with the Atlanta duo’s placement among the favorites.

“The Falcons were 27th in pass-rush win rate a season ago and needed reinforcements up front,” Solomon said. “Both Walker and Pearce, Jr. could have an instant impact on an Atlanta team that has the talent to make a playoff push. It’s always a risk to trade away a first-round pick, but the Falcons unquestionably bolstered their defense in a major way on Thursday night.”