The Atlanta Falcons have enjoyed some excellent safety play throughout their history, and Jessie Bates has a chance to one day join that list of impact players. The crown jewel of Atlanta’s free agency class, Bates has the versatility, play-making instincts and leadership qualities to help transform the defense.
Bates leads a group that struggled to consistently makes plays last season and returns starters Richie Grant and Jaylinn Hawkins. Grant, a former second-round pick, figures to be the frontrunner for the second starting role, but Hawkins has a nose for the football and should have a role.