Atlanta Falcons’ 7th-round pick looks to become a household name after their elite point guard gets all the attention

Jessie Bates III, the Atlanta Falcons’ elite Pro Bowl safety, has gotten all the attention during the 2023 season, while other safeties haven’t gotten much attention. But when they have been noticed, it’s been in a negative connotation.

The Falcons entered free agency and the draft with a number of players in need at safety. To some surprise, they signed a safety in free agency, Dane Cruikshank, and did not select one in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, that does not mean the team will not address the position before the regular season. There are a few players available, including Justin Simmons.

One player who didn’t get much attention last season was their 7th round pick, who got some playing time as a rookie.

The Atlanta Falcons’ 7th-round pick had a solid rookie season

DeMarcco Hellams made an immediate impact throughout the preseason, leading the team in interceptions and tackles. He earned a spot on their 53-man roster.

Hellams started his rookie season on the bench and didn’t play a single defensive snap in four of his first five games. He then had a limited role in Weeks 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10.

Due to Richie Grant’s struggles, Hellams’ role expanded in Week 12, and he started four of their last seven games. He recorded 40 tackles, one TFL and a 65.2 PFF grade in 369 (37%) defensive snaps. He also allowed 13 receptions on 19 targets for 115 yards and a passer rating of 84.3.

He hopes to become a household name.

DeMarcco Hellams wants to become a household name

“I’m sure people underestimated me,” Hellams said at team events. “But that’s OK. Everyone has their own opinions.”

“I know it’s up to me to go out there and prove what I’m capable of and prove to myself who I am.”

He caught the eye of their assistant coach/defenseman Jerry Gray last season.

“He proved (in the preseason) that he can play without game planning,” Falcons assistant coach and defensive end Jerry Gray said in Week 13. “Once we start game planning, can he take what he sees on tape and execute the game plan on the field? And now he does. He deserves to get more playing time. He’s a good football player and all he’s going to do is keep adding time.”

He will be competing for a starting spot.

Atlanta Falcons’ second-round pick to compete for starting spot

Richie Grant is looking to retain his starting spot. Grant, a former second-round pick in 2021, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025. He has played in 50 games with 32 starts.

So far, DeMarcco Hellams has received the majority of first-team representation during OTAs and mandatory minicamp. However, that could change once they begin training camp and put on the pads.

Who starts alongside Jessie Bates III?

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