All four of the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive draft picks are expected to play in the team’s season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 7, according to head coach Raheem Morris. Safety Xavier Watts and nickel Billy Bowman Jr. have been named starters.
Watts, selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, competed with DeMarcco Hellams and Jordan Fuller during training camp for a starting spot alongside Jessie Bates III. Watts secured his position after being placed on the initial roster, while Fuller did not make the cut but has since re-signed with the team.
“Xavier Watts has earned a spot as the starting safety next to Jessie (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.”
Bowman, drafted in the fourth round, faced competition from Dee Alford throughout camp. Both players made the roster, but Bowman ultimately emerged as starter at nickel.
“Billy Bowman finished with a strong lead there obviously,” Morris said. “He’ll be the guy to go out there first.”
The Falcons’ first-round picks—edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr.—are also expected to play significant roles in Week 1 due to frequent defensive rotations under coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. While Pearce was active through preseason and camp, Walker was limited at times because of hamstring and groin injuries.
“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.”
On offense, seventh-round pick Jack Nelson’s status remains uncertain as he could fill gaps caused by recent injuries at offensive tackle. Starting right tackle Kaleb McGary is out for the season with a leg injury; backup Storm Norton is also sidelined with an ankle injury and placed on injured reserve. Morris indicated that Nelson is among several players being considered as replacements along with Elijah Wilkinson and Brandon Parker.
A majority of Atlanta’s 2025 draft class appears set for early contributions this season.
