REPORT-Bengals-Closing-Deal-To-Sign-Falcons-Safety-In-A-Blockbuster-Trade
The Falcons are confident that the correct individuals are present in the facility.
In 2023, the Atlanta Falcons’ safety position was both a top and a bad one. Safety was definitely a strength for the defense when things were going well—90% of Jessie Bates’ games, early encouraging efforts from Richie Grant, DeMarcco Hellams taking a part. When they weren’t, there was an issue—Rare Bates errors, Grant’s difficulties with coverage, Hellams appearing to be a rookie.
In light of this, I was curious to see what a coaching staff that prioritized defensive backs would do with safety in addition to expressing gratitude to their lucky stars that Bates is playing in Atlanta. Remarkably, as of mid-May, the team hasn’t done much to alter the safety depth chart, which may suggest that they are comfortable with at least the
For the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, safety was both a great and terrible position. Certainly, the defense’s strength was safety when things were going well, like in the case of 90% of Jessie Bates’ games, early encouraging efforts from Richie Grant, and DeMarcco Hellams assuming a part. It became problematic when they weren’t—rare Bates errors, Grant’s covering issues, Hellams appearing to be a novice.
Since Bates is playing in Atlanta, I was curious to see what a coaching staff that prioritizes defensive backs would accomplish with safety. I wasn’t sure what to expect, though. Surprisingly, the team hasn’t made much adjustments to the safety depth chart as of mid-May, which may suggest that they are highly comfortable with at least the
You’re probably more than halfway to a decent safety room when you have Jessie Bates. However, it’s surprising that the Falcons haven’t chosen to make more substantial adjustments to a depth chart that, aside from the legendary Bates, has serious question marks.
But let’s start with him. With 132 combined tackles, a career-high six interceptions, three forced fumbles, 11 pass deflections, three tackles for a loss, and a defensive score, Bates is coming off a season to remember. He successfully changed the course of a few games on his own, and it’s reasonable to say that Bates had one of the best defensive seasons in Falcons history last year. Additionally, he is still only 27 years old and has
A decent safety room is certainly more than halfway there when you have Jessie Bates. But it’s surprising that the Falcons haven’t chosen to alter a depth chart with more question marks than just the legendary Bates.
But first, we’ll deal with him. Coming off a season in which he recorded 132 combined tackles—a career high—along with three forced fumbles, six interceptions, eleven pass deflections, three tackles for a loss, and a defensive touchdown. It would be reasonable to say that Bates had one of the best defensive seasons in Falcons history last year, since he successfully changed the course of a few games on his own. Even though he is only 27 years old, he has
Particularly as a late selection, Hellams quietly performed quite well as a rookie. Though his completion percentage of 68.4% may not seem impressive, he gave up a comparatively meager 8.8 yards per completion (compared to Grant’s 13.9) because of his consistently strong tackling and better-than-expected coverage skills. When he plays well, Hellams can be a force to be reckoned with against the run. He has the floor of a very valuable third safety and, should he have a successful summer, may displace Grant in the starting lineup. For this reason, I believe the Falcons appear to be satisfied with their safety situation.
Past him are Micah Abernathy, a key member of the special team, and a select group of deep reserves and practice squad prospects, including new addition Dane Cruikshank. It’s safe, but we’ll get to him down below.