Atlanta Falcons
When theAtlanta Falcons open their 2025 season against theTampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 7, all four of the team’s defensive draft picks are expected to see action. Two of them, safetyXavier Watts and nickel cornerBilly Bowman Jr., have already been named starters.
Head coach Raheem Morris confirmed the decisions Thursday, signaling that Atlanta is fully prepared to trust its youth on defense.
“Xavier Watts has earned a spot as the starting safety next toJessie (Bates III),”Morris said. “Those guys will be out there. It’s always about role clarity and role domination, and those guys got the ability to do some of those things in different roles.”
Watts and Bowman Win Starting Jobs
Xavier Watts
GettyThe Falcons traded up to draft Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts with the 96th overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Watts, a third round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, spent training camp competing withDeMarcco Hellams and veteranJordan Fuller for the starting role opposite Pro Bowler Jessie Bates. Despite opening the preseason listed behind Fuller, Watts’ strong finish and consistent play helped him win the job. Fuller was cut during roster trimdowns but has since re-signed with the team in a reserve role.
Bowman, a fourth rounder, faced a similar battle in the slot. He beat out veteranDee Alford, who had started at various points the past two seasons. Bowman impressed coaches late in camp, ultimately flipping the depth chart in his favor.
“Billy Bowman finished with a strong lead there obviously,” Morris said. “He’ll be the guy to go out there first.”
Edge Rushers Poised for Roles
James Pearce Jr.
GettyThe Falcons landed James Pearce Jr. with the 26th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after trading a package of future picks to the Rams.
Atlanta’s top two draft picks,James Pearce Jr. andJalon Walker, may not have official starting tags yet, but both are expected to play heavy snaps in defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s rotation.
Pearce flashed throughout training camp and preseason, while Walker has been brought along carefully after dealing with hamstring and groin issues.
“Jalon Walker is doing great,” Morris said. “He’s had a couple really good days of practice. Obviously held him from that last preseason game to get him ready for this moment, for this game, for this part of the season. So, I’m really excited to see him go.”
Meanwhile, the Falcons seventh round pick, offensive linemanJack Nelson, remains a question mark for Week 1. But injuries may accelerate his path. With starting right tackleKaleb McGary out for the season and swing tackleStorm Norton on injured reserve, Nelson is among those being considered to step in. Morris said Nelson,Elijah Wilkinson, andBrandon Parker are competing to fill the void.
The Falcons are betting big on their youth. And how quickly this class adjusts to the NFL will go a long way in shaping their season. Week 1 against Tampa Bay won’t just be the start of the year. For this rookie group, it’s the start of an era.