Safety DeMarcco Hellams looks to take ‘that extra step’ in Year 2

In each of Hellams’ starts, he took the field alongside fellow safety Jessie Bates III. Richie Grant also initially joined them for two games, creating a rotation between the safeties. The times where there were three starting safeties were experimental and situational, hoping the package would put the Falcons in the best position to win while utilizing their overall roster talent. They did happen to go 2-0 in those instances.

“I was grateful for how my rookie year went out,” Hellams said. “I wouldn’t say I was happy because it didn’t end how I thought it would as a player or as a team. I never want to get caught up on being an individual.

“But I definitely think from what people may have expected from me as a rookie, I may have passed those. But for the expectations that I set for myself, I’m not going to lie, there’s a lot of things that I can get better at.”

“I always feel like there’s room to improve in all areas,” Hellams said. “But just taking a game one play at time, processing things at a faster pace and taking that extra step into my second year. Not being out there like it’s my first time seeing things anymore.”

He wants to be more like Bates, who’s entering his seventh year in the NFL and has Pro-Bowl accolades. Hellams believes Bates truly trusts his instructs and preparation in live action. That’s why Bates is able to consistently make standout plays — a team-high 132 tackles, 11 pass breakups, six interceptions and three forced fumbles in 2023, alone.

With more practice and experience, Hellams thinks he can also build that trust within himself. His hope is that his Year 1-to-2 jump is noteworthy. There’s no reason it shouldn’t be. Nothing is holding him back. Not with training camp around the corner in late July.

“No rookie development meetings or anything,” Hellams said. “I’m definitely excited.”