Falcons Bijan Robinson finalist for Offensive Player of the Year, James Pearce Jr. and Xavier Watts finalists for Defensive Rookie of the Year
Despite missing the playoffs for the eighth-straight season, the Atlanta Falcons received some welcome news on Thursday. Star running back Bijan Robinson was officially named a finalist for the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year award, while defenders James Pearce Jr. and Xavier Watts were both named finalists for the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
The finalists for AP Offensive Player of the Year presented by @Copilot! #NFLHonorspic.twitter.com/ApQQOThZX1
- NFL (@NFL) January 22, 2026
It's the first Offensive Player of the Year nomination for Bijan Robinson, who was also named a first-team AP All-Pro at running back and a second-team AP All-Pro as an all-purpose player. Robinson led the NFL in yards from scrimmage with 2298-a Falcons franchise record and more than the second place player in the NFL (Christian McCaffrey) by over 100.
The finalists for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year presented by @EAMaddenNFL! #NFLHonorspic.twitter.com/vHXnJXguen
- NFL (@NFL) January 22, 2026
The Falcons also notched the incredibly rare (and possibly first in team history) double Defensive Rookie of the Year nominations, with both edge rusher James Pearce Jr. and safety Xavier Watts receiving nominations. Notably, both players were added as a result of an aggressive (and controversial) trade-up in the 2025 NFL Draft.
James Pearce Jr. led the Falcons with 10.5 sacks and added another 10 tackles for loss, making an immediate impact in turning around a moribund Falcons pass rush and setting the franchise record in sacks with 57.
Xavier Watts also turned in an outstanding rookie season, leading all rookies with five interceptions, notching 11 pass deflections, and adding 96 total tackles. The electric defensive playmaker arguably outplayed second-team All-Pro safety Jessie Bates III, who was his running mate in Atlanta's secondary.
Despite Atlanta's struggles in the win column, there's no doubt the roster has talent. The future is bright for the Falcons on both sides of the ball. We'll see if any of these nominees end up winning the award, but the best bets are likely Bijan (thanks to his record-setting numbers) and James Pearce Jr. (10+ sacks for a rookie is extremely rare).