The Atlanta Falcons' early offseason headlines have continued to shine a spotlight on rookie pass rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. This is understandable for a franchise starved for anything close to a capable pass rush. Not only did the Falcons draft two first-round talents at the position they also signed veteran Leonard Floyd to help anchor the group. However, lost in all the excitement over these changes is the potential impact of another Atlanta defender who has gotten off to an impressive start.
Safety Billy Bowman was Atlanta's second selection at the position, with Xavier Watts expected to serve as a starter alongside Jessie Bates. It signaled an exit for Richie Grant, who joined the San Francisco 49ers in a depth role. Justin Simmons remains a free agent, and the Falcons appear content to keep their current depth chart. All of this led up to Bowman making an early impression and proving he could find a way onto the field, even if it is Bates and Watts anchoring the back of Atlanta's defense as expected.
Falcons Rookie Billy Bowman Continues Surprising Production
Bowman has been impressive enough for the Falcons to give the rookie a chance at winning a contributing or starting role. How this plays out depends on whether or not Bowman can prove himself playing the slot and provide an answer to the biggest remaining defensive problem. Mike Hughes and A.J. Terrell are locked in on the outside, but the team is yet to find a clear third starter at the position.
Re-signing Dee Alford was a clear mistake that appeared to be out of a complete lack of other options. Alford's 2024 season illustrated why the franchise needed to upgrade and how little trust they could put in last year's starter. The rest of the team's additions at the position have been re-signings or undrafted free agents. Bowman might be the team's best shot at finding a surprise answer to the biggest remaining problem.
Another avenue the team could still explore is looking to land Jalen Ramsey, who is on his way out of Miami. No matter what the answer might be, it is clear that a change must be made. Bowman gives the team hope of finding a surprise contributor who is already going underrated in the early parts of the 2025 offseason.