As the preseason games are now upon us, the time is coming fast for players to prove themselves, some to secure valuable roster spots, and others locked in stiff battles for starting positions. For veteran strong safety Jordan Fuller, the upcoming preseason game will be his first chance to show the Atlanta Falcons coaching staff he can be part of their future plans.
Fuller has intense competition for the starting strong safety spot from rookie Xavier Watts. Despite being listed as the starter alongside free safety Jessie Bates III in the first depth chart released, ESPN is reporting that rookie Xavier Watts has been splitting first-team reps with Fuller in practice.
Jordan Fuller Fighting for a Starter Role as Falcons Kick Preseason Off
Watts, who was a third-round pick in the 2025 draft where the Falcons selected him 96th overall out of Notre Dame, has high expectations for what he can contribute to the secondary. Head coach Raheem Morris recently told reporters that he is looking forward to seeing Watts and the other incoming rookies get playing time Friday, saying, “I’m excited. I’m excited to see everybody, all of our guys…all these young guys.”
Heading into Friday's preseason opener against the Detroit Lions, Fuller will have to make the most of his playing time to prove to the coaching staff he is the right guy for the spot. Fuller signed a one-year, $1.33 million contract in March, after spending the 2024 season with the Carolina Panthers, where he started nine games.
Fuller was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020 with the 199th overall pick. The sixth-round pick spent four seasons with the Rams, where he was part of their Super Bowl LVI Championship team. Throughout his career thus far, Fuller has had seven interceptions and 330 combined tackles in 57 games, 55 of which he started. Fuller is the younger brother of Devin Fuller, drafted by the Falcons 238th overall in 2016.
Friday against the Detroit Lions will be the first chance for Fuller and Watts to show the coaching staff how they look at full speed in meaningful snaps. It remains to be seen who will ultimately win the starting job, but Friday’s performance could prove vital for both players’ chances.