The Atlanta Falcons narrowly missed the playoffs last season with an 8-9 record. They have an offense that is filled with good playmakers, so the attention went to the defensive side of the ball.
The Falcons only had five total picks in the 2025 NFL draft and four of them went on defense. Atlanta snagged Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr., Xavier Watts, and Billy Bowman Jr. within the first four rounds.
While they infused the defense with youth, athleticism, and speed, it isn't good news for everyone on the team. The Falcons' safety room is now loaded, and that is bad for one youngster on the defense.
DeMarcco Hellams on Thin Ice With Falcons Offseason Moves
DeMarcco Hellams was a seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft. As a rookie, he finished with 40 total tackles and one TFL (15 games, four starts).
He wasn't able to play in 2024 after suffering an ankle injury in preseason. Now, one year later, they have made more additions to the room. In free agency, Atlanta also signed Jordan Fuller in free agency to a one-year deal.
Hellams has been pushed further down the depth chart, and not being able to suit up in 2024 played a role in that.
Watts is someone who will make an impact on Day 1. Even though he doesn't have elite speed or explosiveness, his IQ and instincts are through the roof. He is a viable run defender and can set the tone. Last season at Notre Dame, Watts logged 82 total tackles, 16 pass deflections, and 3.5 TFLs.
Meanwhile, Bowman Jr. is another player who has a nose for the football. The Texas native plays bigger than his 5-foot-10 frame and finds a way to create turnovers. In 47 college games at Oklahoma, he had 199 total tackles, 13 pass breakups, and 11 interceptions.
Even though Fuller struggled last year with the Panthers, he is a Super Bowl champion and has 55 NFL starts under his belt. We didn't even discuss Jessie Bates III who is by far the best player in this room.
Atlanta made it a priority to improve this position group, and that wasn't the best news for Hellams. He certainly faces an uphill climb to stick on this roster for the 2025 season.