NFL world praises Falcons' rookie class after Week 12 win over Saints

The Atlanta Falcons stopped the bleeding from their five-game losing streak by defeating the New Orleans Saints in Week 12. The Falcons' rookies played a crucial role in Sunday's 24-10 win, as they have all season long.

First-round picks Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. combined for another 2.5 sacks. Walker leads all rookies with five sacks, and Pearce is ranked second among rookies with four sacks. Safety Xavier Watts came up with the game-sealing interception in Sunday's victory. Watts leads all rookies with three interceptions this season.

Many around the league have trolled the Falcons for trading away their 2026 first-round pick to move up for Pearce, but few ever point out the fact that Atlanta also received a third-round pick from the Rams as part of the trade. Atlanta used that pick to acquire Watts after another draft day trade.

Even though the Falcons will likely miss the playoffs this season, the team's rookie class has held up its end of the bargain. NFL fans and analysts on social media praised the Falcons' 2025 draft class following Sunday's win.

NFL world praises Falcons' rookie class

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: NFL world praises Falcons draft class after win over Saints