Most fans look at the Falcons’ secondary and think the unit needs help. The reality? It’s actually packed with some of the best defensive backs in the entire league.
Bleacher Report’s Top 99 defensive players ranking confirms it. The Falcons have three players sitting inside the top 60. This list grades every NFL player on a scale from zero to one hundred, splitting them into tight categories based on their final score. The safety duo is a major reason for this high standing.
The Steal in the Draft
The rankings highlight a specific draft move that looks like genius in hindsight. Xavier Watts, listed at number 58 with an 81 grade, is one of only ten players to earn a 90-plus score in the safety group. He was picked 96th overall, which makes his rise even more impressive.
In 2025, Watts received significant momentum toward the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. He allowed Jessie Bates to move closer to the line of scrimmage, a role that fits the veteran better as he ages. Watts recorded five interceptions and broke up 11 passes as a rookie. He was also a plus run defender from deep in the backfield.
Even with some mental lapses, he showed he could recover fast. He did not look like a rookie on the field. He handled more rotations and played with the calm of a veteran. The Falcons got an absolute steal when they picked him.
Terrell and the Big Picture
The talent does not stop at safety. A.J. Terrell sits at number 56 on the list, also holding an 81 grade. Among NFL cornerbacks, he ranks as one of the most undervalued players. Terrell acts as a technician on the outside.
During the previous season, his tight-window throw force rate stood fourth highest across the league. This skill set allows him to mirror top receivers and take away easy catches. When the Falcons brought in both Watts and Billy Bowman last year, it felt like a dream come true for the defense.
Bleacher Report noted that Watts’ range and ability to diagnose plays helped the whole unit. Now, the team has to build on that foundation. Watts is still going into his sophomore season. This was just his first action under the NFL microscope.
Handling the Loss of Key Players
The depth of this group matters even more now. The defense suffered an unfortunate injury to Jalon Walker. This loss takes away a key piece of versatility and athleticism. Other parts of the defense must step up to fill that gap.
The secondary is loaded with talent to handle the loss of Walker. It might also need to cover for James Pearce Jr. and his pending suspension. The rankings show the Falcons have the pieces to survive these hits.
Watts was listed as the 16th safety overall. He went just behind names like Camryn Bynum and Grant Delpit. The Falcons now have a safety duo that ranks among the best in the league. The second act is starting, and the fireworks could be huge.
