The Atlanta Falcons are entering a new chapter in their secondary following the departure of veteran safety Jessie Bates III.
Replacing a player of Bates’ caliber won’t be easy. His leadership, instincts, ball-hawking ability, and consistency made him one of the most important players on Atlanta’s defense.
However, the Falcons have several intriguing options already on their roster who could help fill the void without requiring another major investment.
Here are three realistic candidates who deserve consideration.
1. DeMarcco Hellams — The Natural Replacement
DeMarcco Hellams might be the most logical candidate to step into Bates’ former role.
The Falcons coaching staff has already mentioned Hellams when discussing the team’s next-man-up mentality, suggesting he could receive an opportunity to earn additional playing time.
Hellams is a natural safety who brings a physical, downhill playing style. He’s comfortable attacking the line of scrimmage, delivering hits, and providing support against the run.
That physicality could make him an excellent complement to Xavier Watts in Atlanta’s secondary.
The biggest concern is coverage.
Hellams hasn’t established himself as a consistent deep-coverage defender at the NFL level. However, the Falcons could minimize those concerns by allowing Watts to handle more of the deep-safety responsibilities while Hellams operates closer to the line of scrimmage.
If Atlanta wants a traditional, physical safety who already understands the organization, Hellams deserves the first opportunity.
2. Billy Bowman Jr. — The Athletic Playmaker
Billy Bowman Jr. might offer the highest upside of the three candidates.
The young defensive back brings athleticism, range, and versatility to Atlanta’s secondary. Although he’s spent time playing nickel for the Falcons, his natural instincts could translate well to a more traditional safety role.
Bowman is particularly intriguing when operating closer to the line of scrimmage, where his quickness and ability to react can create opportunities for impact plays.
His versatility could also allow Atlanta to disguise coverages and move defensive backs around before the snap.
The biggest question is his physicality.
Can Bowman consistently tackle bigger NFL running backs and tight ends? Can he hold up at the point of attack when opposing offenses challenge him in the running game?
Those questions matter, especially if Atlanta expects him to replace some of Bates’ responsibilities.
Still, Bowman has the athletic tools to develop into a valuable piece of the Falcons’ long-term secondary.
3. Sydney Brown — The Experienced Option
Sydney Brown brings an intriguing combination of physicality, tackling ability, athleticism, and NFL experience.
Unlike some younger defensive backs, Brown has already experienced the speed and physical demands of professional football.
He can contribute against the run, pursue ball carriers, and provide flexibility in different defensive alignments.
That versatility makes him an interesting option for a Falcons defense looking to replace Bates’ production collectively rather than relying on one player to do everything.
The concern? Brown might be a jack of all trades but a master of none.
While he offers a relatively balanced skill set, he hasn’t consistently demonstrated an elite trait that guarantees him a starting role.
He’s capable of providing dependable snaps, but a more talented or specialized defensive back could eventually beat him out.
Nevertheless, Brown deserves consideration because of the physicality and experience he could bring to the position.
Who Should Replace Jessie Bates?
If the Falcons want the most natural replacement, DeMarcco Hellams should get the first opportunity.
His physicality and familiarity with the safety position make him an appealing fit alongside Xavier Watts.
However, Billy Bowman Jr. might possess the highest long-term ceiling, while Sydney Brown could provide a more balanced alternative.
Ultimately, Atlanta doesn’t need one player to become the next Jessie Bates. It needs a secondary capable of replacing his production collectively.
The competition between these three defenders could become one of the most interesting position battles for the Falcons moving forward.
FALCONS FANS: Who should get the first opportunity to replace Jessie Bates — Hellams, Bowman, or Brown?
