Latest news with #JessieBatesIII
USA Today
16 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Falcons' Jessie Bates cracks top 5 of PFF's safety rankings for 2025 season
Falcons' Jessie Bates cracks top 5 of PFF's safety rankings for 2025 season Jessie Bates III ranked among NFL's elite safeties by Pro Football Focus The Atlanta Falcons defense had a roller-coaster season in 2024, ending with two ugly performances in losses to the Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers. After the season, the team fired defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and replaced him with Jeff Ulbrich. While we expect the defense to look much different in 2025, one player Ulbrich can count on is safety Jessie Bates III. The Pro Bowl playmaker delivered again last season, bringing in four interceptions, four forced fumbles and one sack. Bates has 10 interceptions since signing with the Falcons during the 2023 offseason. The 28-year-old didn't make the Pro Bowl or All-Pro teams, but he still cracked the top five of Pro Football Focus' safety rankings for the 2025 season. Bates landed at No. 3 on PFF's list: While Bates didn't replicate his success from his first season in Atlanta — in which he earned a 90.6 PFF overall grade — he was still among the best safeties in the league in 2024. He was especially good in coverage, evidenced by his 81.4 PFF coverage grade, which ranked eighth at the position. Zoltán Buday, PFF The Falcons did a solid job of upgrading around Bates without using a ton of resources. After signing veteran Jordan Fuller in free agency, the team stole Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts in the third round of the 2025 NFL draft. Atlanta also drafted Oklahoma safety Billy Bowman in the fourth round. Watts, who recorded six interceptions for the Fighting Irish last season, was ranked 36th overall on PFF's 2025 Big board. Atlanta landed him at pick No. 96 after moving up a few spots in the third round. "Watts is the best ball-hawking safety in this class thanks to his intelligence and ability to break on the football," PFF wrote. Bowman is expected to compete for reps at nickel this season. The team also re-signed veterans Dee Alford and Mike Hughes. This group has a good mix of talent and leadership, and it all starts with Bates. We'll see if Ulbrich can get the most out of this unit in 2025.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rival Atlanta Falcons Unintentionally Troll Themselves On Social Media
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rival Atlanta Falcons Unintentionally Troll Themselves On Social Media originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Divisional rivalries in the NFL can often be brutal, with one team sometimes trolling the others in the division after big wins or unfortunate losses. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons are no exception. Advertisement But sometimes, just sometimes, a team can troll itself without even knowing it. Super Bowl LI in Houston, which wrapped up the 2016 NFL season, was one for the ages. And one that Falcons fans won't ever forget, no matter how much they want to. On Tuesday, if any of them had forgotten, they were reminded by the Falcons' social media team. During Atlanta's voluntary OTAs, the Falcons' social media team posted a photo of safety Jessie Bates III standing next to corner Mike Ford on the field. While that sounds innocent enough, the photo itself speaks to the opposite. Bates wears No. 3 and Ford wears No. 28. For Falcons fans, seeing 28 and 3 together brings back horrific memories of that Super Bowl. Fans saw what the Falcons didn't, and quickly responded, asking the team to remove the photo. As a reminder ... and I'll apologize now to Falcons fans for re-hashing this ... Atlanta was up on New England late in the third quarter by a score of 28-3 in Super Bowl LI. As fans were cheering what would be the franchise's first Super Bowl, Tom Brady and the Patriots mounted a comeback for the ages, and won the game 34-28 in overtime. Advertisement That occasion has even turned into a national holiday outside of the state of Georgia, as Brady often posts, "Happy 3/28 day!" on March 28. While it's a tough reminder "what might've been" for Falcons fans, it's also a reminder that sometimes a photo of a harmless moment isn't what it seems. Be better, Falcons. Related: Bucs Star Defender Reveals Hardest Offensive Coaches to Game Plan Against Related: Buccaneers Offensive Star Ranked Near Top of NFL This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
23-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jessie Bates III stats, game log, news, injury status
Jessie Bates III stats, game log, news, injury status The Atlanta Falcons' Jessie Bates III will see his first action of 2025 in his team's season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, kicking off at 1 p.m. ET on Sept. 7. In 17 games last year, Bates totaled 1.0 sack to go with 2.0 TFL, 102 tackles, and four interceptions. Get Falcons tickets on StubHub! Jessie Bates III injury news Bates does not appear on the injury list this week. Jessie Bates III stats (2024) Tackles: 102 102 Tackles for loss: 2.0 2.0 Sacks: 1.0 1.0 Interceptions: 4 4 Passes defended: 10 Bates game log (2024) Week 1 vs. Steelers: 6 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD 6 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD Week 2 at Eagles: 12 Tackles (1.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 1 INT, 2 PD 12 Tackles (1.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 1 INT, 2 PD Week 3 vs. Chiefs: 6 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 1 PD 6 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 1 PD Week 4 vs. Saints: 5 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD 5 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD Week 5 vs. Buccaneers: 8 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD 8 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD Week 6 at Panthers: 6 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD 6 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD Week 7 vs. Seahawks: 2 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD 2 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD Week 8 at Buccaneers: 5 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 1 INT, 1 PD 5 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 1 INT, 1 PD Week 9 vs. Cowboys: 6 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 1 PD 6 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 1 PD Week 10 at Saints: 4 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD 4 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD Week 11 at Broncos: 10 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 1 PD 10 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 1 PD Week 13 vs. Chargers: 2 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 1 PD 2 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 1 PD Week 14 at Vikings: 9 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD 9 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD Week 15 at Raiders: 2 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 1 INT, 1 PD 2 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 1 INT, 1 PD Week 16 vs. Giants: 2 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 1 INT, 2 PD 2 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 1 INT, 2 PD Week 17 at Commanders: 12 Tackles (1.0 TFL), 1.0 Sack, 0 INT, 0 PD 12 Tackles (1.0 TFL), 1.0 Sack, 0 INT, 0 PD Week 18 vs. Panthers: 5 Tackles (0.0 TFL), 0.0 Sacks, 0 INT, 0 PD Next game: Jessie Bates III vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Bates' Atlanta Falcons (0-0) have a Week 1 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-0). How to watch Jessie Bates III and the Falcons Matchup: Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Time: 1 p.m. ET 1 p.m. ET Date: September 7, 2025 September 7, 2025 TV: FOX FOX Live stream: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply) Watch Falcons vs. Buccaneers on Fubo!
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
ESPN ranks 3 Falcons among top 100 picks in 2025 NFL draft
It's been less than a week since the 2025 NFL draft concluded and those around the league seem to have mixed feelings about the Atlanta Falcons' five-player draft class. The team landed three potential starters on the first two days before adding two high-upside selections on Day 3. Some NFL analysts have praised Atlanta for upgrading its pass rush with two first-round edge rushers. ESPN's Matt Miller ranked the top 100 picks in this year's class based on value, need and fit. Three of Atlanta's selections made the list. Advertisement Walker, a projected top-10 selection, was ranked as Miller's fifth-best pick in the entire draft. Jalon Walker's pick ranking: 5th Walker was a top-five player on my board, and Atlanta ended his draft-night slide midway through the first round. Not only did the Falcons get great value, but they also got a player who fits perfectly for its scheme and need. Walker's NFL position has yet to be determined (he played both linebacker and edge at Georgia in 2024), but he brings desperately needed speed and high upside as a pass rusher in a 3-4 alignment. -- Matt Miller, ESPN Walker has been almost unanimously praised as a great pick by Atlanta due to his mix of value and need. It also doesn't hurt that he's the first Georgia Bulldogs player that Atlanta has selected in the first round. Xavier Watts' pick ranking: 31st Getting a 54-pick value is always good, but pairing Watts with Jessie Bates III is great. It gives Atlanta a ball-hawking safety duo. Watts' 13 interceptions in his past two seasons at Notre Dame made him one of the country's best defensive backs, and he now brings that ability to a Falcons defense that also nabbed edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in Round 1. -- Miller Billy Bowman's pick ranking: 72nd Atlanta doubled down at edge rusher and safety, and Bowman's versatility aligns with new teammate Xavier Watts' skills. Bowman might see snaps at nickel safety first, but he has starter upside and ball skills. -- Miller Bowman gets overlooked within this year's class, but he's another rookie who's likely to play a role this season on special teams and possibly at the nickel. After landing two edge rushers, the team was still able to find two playmakers in the secondary who can take the ball away. Advertisement Watts should contribute this season as the third safety behind Jessie Bates and Jordan Fuller. The Notre Dame Standout will definitely get on the field and has a good chance to eventually start next to Bates. There's a lot to like about the Falcons' 2025 draft class, but there's serious pressure on the team's two first-round picks to produce. In our latest post-draft lineup projections, we have both Walker and Pearce slotted in as starters. Around Falcons Wire This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons 2025 NFL draft class includes 3 of ESPN's top 100 picks
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Best safeties available for the Bengals in free agency
The NFL Draft is over, and the Cincinnati Bengals have added two offensive linemen, two linebackers, a running back, and an edge rusher to their roster. However, one position they didn't address in the draft or in free agency so far is safety. The position has been a mess since the team lost Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell 1.0 after the 2022 season. They were replaced by Dax Hill and Nick Scott, and that combo didn't work out at all. On the bright side, Jordan Battle emerged, but Hill was moved to the corner, and Scott was cut. Advertisement Then the Bengals brought in Geno Stone and Vonn Bell 2.0 (a downgraded version from 1.0), and they were a little better but still not good. Stone got his legs under him late in the season, and Battle got on the field more often. Still, the Bengals' inability to stop opposing quarterbacks from throwing the ball down the field directly led to the team's elimination from the playoffs. Having said all that, the Bengals would have some options, including a couple that make sense, in free agency if they were so inclined. Justin Simmons This is the one that makes the most sense for the Bengals. He's 31, and he's coming off a down year, but he's just one season removed from an All-Pro (second-team) year in 2023. He was on 'Up & Adams' before the draft and discussed some teams he'd like to sign with, and one of them was the Bengals. Advertisement The former second-round pick out of Boston College in 2016 stayed with the Broncos through the 2023 season and then signed a one-year deal with the Falcons, where he started alongside Bates. If he's looking to add a Super Bowl ring to his trophy case, he could find a lot of teams with worse chances. Marcus Williams Williams was selected by the Saints in the second round of the 2017 draft out of Utah and immediately took over as the team's starting free safety. He remained in New Orleans through the 2021 season and then proceeded to sign with the Ravens on a five-year, $70 million deal. He played well, though he played injured in 2023, over his first two seasons with the Ravens, but he regressed in 2024 and was benched multiple times. He was a healthy scratch over the last few weeks of the Ravens' season and then he was released. Advertisement He's likely looking for a one-year, prove-it deal that wouldn't cost the Bengals too much. Jordan Whitehead Whitehead was selected by the Bucs in the fourth round in 2018. He quickly worked his way into a starting role and continued to develop in Tampa Bay's defense. He forced two fumbles in Super Bowl LV, helping the Bucs bring another Lombardi back to Tampa. He signed with the Jets before the 2022 season and spent the next two seasons in New York before he returned to the Buccaneers for the 2024 season. He was involved in a serious car crash in January of this year and missed the team's season finale against the Saints. The Bucs declined his option, sending him to free agency. Advertisement If healthy, he could help the secondary and likely wouldn't be too expensive. Julian Blackmon Blackmon came into the NFL with an ACL injury in 2020 but got up to speed and earned a starting role with the Colts. Despite some injuries in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, he flashed playmaking ability, picking off multiple passes and scored a defensive touchdown. He started every game at free safety for the Colts in 2023 and signed a one-year deal to stay in Indianapolis for the 2024 season. He started every game last season as well and picked off three more passes before hitting free agency. He could, like Whitehead, join the Bengals and add another veteran to the room, even if he doesn't earn a starting job. Jordan Poyer This one's a bit of a reach. Advertisement Poyer came into the NFL in 2013 as a seventh-round pick out of Oregon State by the Eagles, but he was released halfway through his rookie season. He signed with the Browns and became a full-time starter in Cleveland's secondary. Poyer signed with the Bills in 2017 and became one-half of one of the league's best safety duos along with Micah Hyde. He earned All-Pro honors in 2021 and was elected to the Pro Bowl in 2022. He signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins in March of 2024 and started 16 games for Miami. He's slowed down a bit, but he could join as a veteran leader in hopes of going on a deep playoff run. — Advertisement There are several safeties still available, but only a couple would represent a real upgrade over who the Bengals have on the roster right now. Everyone else would just be an extra guy in the room, but they could represent more quality depth in the defensive backfield. Who do you like or dislike? More from
