CHARLOTTE — James Pearce Jr. was the second local draft prospect to hear his name called in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday night.
The Atlanta Falcons selected Pearce with the 26th overall pick after trading up to pick in the first round for a second time.
[ ALSO READ: NFL Draft Tracker: Panthers select wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with 8th overall pick ]
Pearce played high school football at Julius Chambers High and then took his talents to Tennessee.
He will join Salisbury native Jalon Walker, who was also picked by the Falcons in the first round with the 15th pick.
(WATCH BELOW: Atlanta Falcons select Salisbury native in first round)
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