Becoming a student of the game last year has helped him quickly grasp the schemes and concepts being implemented this year by the Falcons' new defensive coordinator, Jeff Ulbrich. Hellams therefore isn't behind mentally. He only needs to prove he's back physically.
Already, eight open practices into training camp, Hellams has reinserted himself into conversations surrounding Bates' starting partner. There's a lot of competition for that secondary spot. The Falcons signed veteran Jordan Fuller as a free agent and selected rookie Xavier Watts in the draft. All three have been taking turns with the first-team defense.
Hellams, so far, is the only one who has snagged an interception. During Tuesday's indoor practice, he picked off quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s red-zone pass intended for running back Bijan Robinson.
"It was a heck of a play," Hood said. "When you watch it, you see that it's in his body. You see that he has the potential to be a really good player. His growth. His development. It's just continuing to increase."
The Falcons had a team scrimmage Wednesday that emphasized starters. Hellams was among them at times. And while the majority may not play in Friday's preseason opener against the Detroit Lions inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, there's a chance Hellams will.
If anything, the exhibition game will give Hellams the opportunity to unleash his pent-up aggression on opposing players for the first time in a year.
"When we put on pads," Bates said, "you'll know DeMarcco Hellams is out there."