Falcons rookie safety takes reps with first-team defense
The Atlanta Falcons completed their second training camp practice on Saturday morning, and they continue to tweak things on defense. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is making sure to see what he's got at all positions, including safety.
Third-round pick Xavier Watts was considered one of the draft's biggest steals, and he's already getting reps with the first-team defense. The Falcons signed veteran Jordan Fuller to start next to Jessie Bates III, but that was before they traded up for Watts.
The former Notre Dame standout was touted as "one of the best ball-hawking safeties in the class" by Pro Football Focus, finishing the 2024 season with six interceptions and a coverage grade of 89.5.
Atlanta has so many new faces on defense that it makes sense for Ulbrich try different rotations. Thus far, he hasn't been shy about doing so along the defensive line. Aside from Watts running with the first-team defense, Ulbrich used several different combinations up front, per team reporter Tori McElhaney.
"This is a heavily rotating DL, so they are getting a lot of work with the 1st and 2nd team," McElhaney wrote on Twitter. "Same with Ruke Orhorhoro, Brandon Dorlus, David Onyemata, Zach Harrison, Leonard Floyd, Arnold Ebiketie, etc. The pairings and groupings are ever changing almost play in and play out."
The Falcons finished 31st in the NFL with 31 defensive sacks last season and have since lost Pro Bowl defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. Orhorhoro and Dorlus didn't receive much playing time as rookies, but both are expected to help fill the void in 2025.
Ebiketie is entering a contract year and should have every incentive to play his best this season. The former second-round pick has added competition with rookies Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. expected to play major roles as well.
Falcons wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. made his camp debut on Saturday. The former Pro Bowler was spotted wearing a the No. 16 as he looks to help fill in for an injured Darnell Mooney (shoulder). Check out the team's updated 90-man roster.
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