A look at the Falcons’ safety position

Position coaches: Jerry Gray (assistant head coach/defense) | Justin Hood (secondary) | Mike Rutenberg (defensive pass game coordinator)

Returning starters: Jessie Bates III

Notable newcomers: Xavier Watts | Jordan Fuller

Rest of the roster: DeMarcco Hellams | Josh Thompson

Offseason departures: Justin Simmons | Richie Grant | Micah Abernathy

1. How quickly can Xavier Watts ascend?

The Falcons have made it no secret the expectations they have placed on this 2025 rookie class. Raheem Morris said it himself very early on: The expectation is to play these rookies, and play them early. That goes without saying for two players like Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. But I would throw Watts into the mix of players-who-could-start-early, too.

Though Watts is relatively new to the safety position, the Falcons think highly of him and his ceiling — which they believe could look a lot like Bates. Does this mean he’s running out with Bates in Week 1? It wouldn’t be surprising if the preseason shows a player asserting his dominance while minimizing rookie mistakes. There could be growing pains if Watts is asked to step into a starting role early, but it may be best in the long run.

To me, the question isn’t whether or not Watts starts. The question is a matter of when? Are we talking Week 1? A trail by fire? Or Week 6? A post-bye week debut? Or something even later? The answer depends solely on Watts’ own comfort and development.

2. What role does DeMarcco Hellams carve out for himself?

Hellams is expected to make his full return to the practice field in training camp. Like the story of Bralen Trice’s 2024 season, Hellams’ follows much of the same points: A young player on the rise, potentially working towards a starting role, cut down by a season-ending injury. Like Trice, Hellams returns to full strength to start the 2025 preseason, but what role awaits him in 2025?

Prior to his injury, Hellams was making quite the case for himself. He was playing well, coming off four games at the tail end of 2023 in which he did start at safety. His injury accelerated the Falcons’ need (at the time) to bring in Simmons. If there is no drop off in play or mental lapses in judgement from Hellams upon his return, could he make a case to see action with this defense? Could he be the one to play a Keanu-Neal-type role in Jeff…