FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Training camp begins this week. And one could argue we've saved the most interesting position group for last.
Despite the fact that Jessie Bates III remains the stalwart of this defensive unit, there is reason to believe the spot alongside him is up for grabs. There are three names one could put a pin in for the starting role, but who ultimately wins out and how long does it take for one person to emerge? Let's discuss in this final position preview of the Falcons 2025 training camp roster.
Special teams preview: HERE
Safety
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
3 key questions for Falcons safeties
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 Ulbrich's scheme? We've seen what Hellams can do by way of his physicality on special teams. Can that translate to the defensive side of the ball the way it did for Hellams at Alabama?
Because of all of this, Hellams and his return is one of the most interesting storylines of the preseason.
3. Is this the final group?
It's common place to carry four safeties on a 53-man roster. So, while I will admit there doesn't seem like there will be a huge discussion about the safeties around roster cutdown, I will add that what happens with this group beyond that point may be more interesting.
As noted already, Watts could be in the running for a starting job, Hellams is working back to health and could create a new lane for himself. Don't forget Fuller in this conversation, either. Based on his experience level, it wouldn't be surprising if it's Fuller who starts the season alongside Bates to get the younger duo up to speed. All of this is why I ask: Is this the group? Because at this point in time — before any live reps are even taken — it feels that way. This foursome feels locked on the roster, but the duo that ultimately prevails as the starters? Or the secondary packages ultimately deployed when the season arrives? That's when things really get interesting.
