The Atlanta Falcons’ elite Pro Bowl safety, Jessie Bates III, received all of the attention during the 2023 season, while the other safeties didn’t receive much attention. But when they did get noticed, it was in a negative connotation.
The Falcons entered free agency and the draft with many people having safety as a team need. To the surprise of some, they signed one safety in free agency, Dane Cruikshank, and didn’t draft one in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, this doesn’t mean the team won’t address the position before the regular season. There are a few players available, including Justin Simmons.
One player that didn’t receive much attention last season was their 7th-round pick, who saw some playing time as a rookie.
The Atlanta Falcons’ 7th-round pick had a solid rookie season
DeMarcco Hellams had an immediate impact throughout the preseason, leading the team in interceptions and tackles. He would earn a spot on their 53-man roster.
Hellams started his rookie season on the bench and didn’t play one defensive snap in four of their first five games. He proceeded to have a limited role in Weeks 4, 6, 7, 8, and 10.
Due to Richie Grant’s struggles, Hellams’s role expanded in Week 12, and he started four of their last seven games. He recorded 40 tackles, one TFL, and a 65.2 PFF grade in 369 (37%) defensive snaps. He also allowed 13 receptions on 19 targets for 115 yards and an 84.3 passer rating.
He hopes to become a household name.
DeMarcco Hellams wants to become a household name
“I’m sure people have underestimated me,” Hellams said during organized team activities. “But it’s all right. Everybody has their own opinions.
“I know it’s on me to go out there and prove what I’m capable of and prove who I am to myself.”
He caught the attention of their assistant head coach/defense, Jerry Gray, last season.
“He proved (in the preseason) that he can go through without game planning,” Falcons assistant head coach/defense Jerry Gray said in Week 13. “Then once we start game planning, can he retain what he’s seeing on film and take the game plan to the field? And now, he’s doing that. He deserves to get more playing time. He’s a good football player and all he’s going to do is keep adding.”
He will compete for a starting spot.
The Atlanta Falcons’ 2nd-round pick will compete for the starting spot
Richie Grant looks to hold onto the starting spot. Grant, a former 2nd-round pick from 2021, enters the final year of his rookie contract and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025. He has played 50 games with 32 starts.
So far, DeMarcco Hellams has received the majority of first-team reps during OTAs and mandatory minicamp. However, that could change when they start training camp and put the pads on.
Who starts alongside Jessie Bates III?
