Right about now is prime time for pre-training camp rankings and lists, and one particular version just made a prediction which would result in a Tampa Bay Buccaneers rival running in circles.
Funny enough, if the opposite unfolded, Baker Mayfield would be the one running in circles.
Yet, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox believes the Atlanta Falcons' top bust candidate is none other than rookie first-round pick James Pearce, Jr. The Falcons traded quite the hefty package to move up and select Pearce, which included a 2026 first rounder.
The hilarious part of Knox's prediction is simply the fact that Atlanta has been desperately trying to figure out their pass rush, but to no avail.
The Falcons' inability to rush the passer could continue to help Baker Mayfield and the Bucs offense ascend
Last year, the Falcons went out and traded a third-round pick to acquire former New England Patriots pass rusher Matthew Judon. That was a steep price to pay for Judon, who was coming off a year where he only appeared in four games with the Patriots, due to injury.
Judon would go on to produce just 5.5 sacks with Atlanta last year, and now, he's still looking for a job as we speak.
This year, the Falcons took their gamble in an even bigger fashion. And, if Pearce does end up flopping like Knox believes he will, the Buccaneers look all the better.
Mayfield and the Bucs offense continues to rise. The veteran quarterback continues to prove his doubters wrong and lead one of the league's top units.
Atlanta's defense has been an issue for a while, now, and if they are unable to generate a pass rush, then the Bucs won't have a problem getting past them in 2025 and beyond.
Now, to be fair, Mayfield and the Bucs went 0-2 against the Falcons last season, despite finishing their campaign in better fashion than the division rival. This season, though, I have a feeling we're going to see a Bucs team who doesn't forget the bitter taste in their mouths each time they walked off the field against Atlanta in 2024.
Tampa Bay is a much better team than Atlanta. They know this, and in 2025, I believe we're going to see on-field proof.
Will it come by way of Pearce struggling in his first year in the league?