Atlanta Falcons snubbed for DROY award: NFL world reacts

The Atlanta Falcons saw their hopes for a Defensive Rookie of the Year award dashed Thursday night at the 2026 NFL Honors ceremony. Despite having two finalists – James Pearce Jr. And Xavier Watts – the award ultimately went to Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger.

A Strong Showing for the Falcons’ Draft Picks

Both Pearce and Watts enjoyed impactful rookie seasons. Schwesinger was recognised for his impressive performance, recording 156 tackles, 2.5 sacks and two interceptions. However, the contributions of the Falcons’ young defenders were also noteworthy.

Pearce’s Impact on the Pass Rush

The Falcons made a significant investment in Pearce, trading up to select him in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The former University of Tennessee standout led all rookies with 10.5 sacks. This influx of talent dramatically improved Atlanta’s pass rush, jumping from 31st in the league to second overall. The team finished the season with a franchise-record 57 sacks.

Watts’ Interception Prowess

Watts, selected in the third round, quickly established himself as a ball-hawking presence in the Falcons’ secondary. Despite being overlooked by some leading up to the draft, he led all rookies with five interceptions – the second-highest total in the entire NFL.

Did You Know? The Atlanta Falcons’ defence recorded a franchise-record 57 sacks last season, a significant increase attributed in part to the performance of rookie James Pearce Jr.

Expert Insight: The Falcons’ investment in defensive talent, demonstrated by both trading up for Pearce and identifying Watts as a valuable pick in the third round, signals a clear commitment to improving their defensive capabilities. While the award didn’t come home this year, the team has clearly identified key building blocks for the future.

Fan Reaction

The announcement of Schwesinger as the winner prompted a wave of reaction from NFL fans, many of whom weighed in on the performances of Pearce and Watts. Social media platforms quickly filled with commentary on the deserving candidates and the close competition for the award.

Looking Ahead

While the Falcons didn’t secure the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2026, the strong performances of Pearce and Watts provide a foundation for future success. The team could continue to build around these young players, potentially adding further talent through the draft or free agency. It is also possible that both players will continue to develop and contend for individual accolades in the coming seasons. The Browns’ success could also motivate the Falcons to refine their defensive strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award?

Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

How many sacks did James Pearce Jr. Record as a rookie?

James Pearce Jr. Recorded 10.5 sacks during his rookie season, leading all rookies.

How many interceptions did Xavier Watts record as a rookie?

Xavier Watts recorded five interceptions during his rookie season, the second-most in the entire NFL.

What does this near-miss say about the Falcons’ trajectory as a team, and how might it influence their approach to the upcoming draft?