Falcons safety Jessie Bates makes the cut

The Atlanta Falcons paid top dollar to acquire Jessie Bates III in free agency last year and the play-making safety responded with the best season of his NFL career. Bates recorded six interceptions and was arguably Atlanta’s best defensive player most weeks.

After another solid season, the 27-year-old is starting to get more recognition around the league. On Tuesday, Bates became the third Falcons player to be listed on the NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2024 countdown. Bates was ranked No. 74 by his NFL peers:

Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side, especially in Atlanta for Bates. In his first season with the Falcons, Bates received his first Pro Bowl selection in his sixth NFL season. The safety had a career year by setting new highs with six interceptions, three forced fumbles and 132 tackles. — Christian Gonzales, NFL.com

Bates joined quarterback Kirk Cousins (No. 81) and guard Chris Lindstrom (No. 88) on the NFL’s Top 100. However, it’s hard to imagine any other Falcons players making the cut. The countdown is currently airing on NFL+ but will replay on NFL Network starting on July 31.

.@jlbiii3 standing on business 😤#NFLTop100 pic.twitter.com/klhnEyk4Vr

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) July 24, 2024