Who is the rookie safety standout for the Atlanta Falcons?

Xavier Watts, the Falcons' third-round pick, has been impressive in training camp and is already getting reps with the first-team defense.

How is the Falcons' defense changing in training camp?

Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is experimenting with different rotations along the defensive line as the team looks to improve its 31st-ranked sack total from the 2024 season.

What are the Falcons' expectations for their defense in 2025?

The Falcons are focused on overhauling their defense, with Ulbrich closely evaluating all positions to find the right combination of players to improve the unit's performance.

Home / Sports / Rookie Safety Standout Shines in Falcons' Defensive Overhaul

Rookie Safety Standout Shines in Falcons' Defensive Overhaul

26 Jul

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Summary

Third-round pick Xavier Watts impressing in first-team defense
Falcons defense focused on improving 31st-ranked sack total from 2024
Defensive coordinator Ulbrich experimenting with various line rotations

Rookie Safety Standout Shines in Falcons' Defensive Overhaul

The Atlanta Falcons are making significant changes to their defense during the team's ongoing 2025 training camp. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is closely evaluating all positions, including the safety spot, as the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 season.

One of the standout performers so far has been third-round draft pick Xavier Watts, who is already getting reps with the first-team defense. Watts was considered one of the top ball-hawking safeties in the 2025 draft class, finishing the 2024 season with six interceptions and a coverage grade of 89.5 from Pro Football Focus.

Aside from Watts' early success, Ulbrich has been experimenting with various defensive line rotations. The Falcons finished 31st in the NFL with just 31 sacks last season and have since lost Pro Bowl defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. Ulbrich is giving extended playing time to young defensive linemen like Ruke Orhorhoro, Brandon Dorlus, and Zach Harrison, as the team looks to bolster its pass rush.

With so many new faces on the defensive side of the ball, Ulbrich is leaving no stone unturned in his efforts to find the right combination of players to improve the Falcons' struggling unit.

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