FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — There are always exceptions.

However, over the past five years, first-round draft picks who fell under the position umbrella of either linebacker or defensive lineman averaged 3.3 sacks in his rookie season.

LOOK : See year-by-year breakdown of first-round pass rushers since 2020

That's not to discourage the Atlanta Falcons' hopes that Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. can make an immediate impact on their pass rush. In fact, the defense’s newly implemented attack-style front may help the young players because it's meant to simplify responsibilities and reduce the pre-snap thinking needed on any down. Simply go for the quarterback as soon as the ball is snapped.

"I think part of the stuff that we will do schematically will lessen that burden," Falcons defensiv

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