Latest news with #TheAtlantaFalcons
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Falcons rookie safety takes reps with first-team defense
Atlanta gave third-round pick Xavier Watts reps with the first-team defense at Saturday's practice The Atlanta Falcons completed their second training camp practice on Saturday morning, and they continue to tweak things on defense. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is making sure to see what he's got at all positions, including safety. Third-round pick Xavier Watts was considered one of the draft's biggest steals, and he's already getting reps with the first-team defense. The Falcons signed veteran Jordan Fuller to start next to Jessie Bates III, but that was before they traded up for Watts. The former Notre Dame standout was touted as "one of the best ball-hawking safeties in the class" by Pro Football Focus, finishing the 2024 season with six interceptions and a coverage grade of 89.5. Atlanta has so many new faces on defense that it makes sense for Ulbrich try different rotations. Thus far, he hasn't been shy about doing so along the defensive line. Aside from Watts running with the first-team defense, Ulbrich used several different combinations up front, per team reporter Tori McElhaney. "This is a heavily rotating DL, so they are getting a lot of work with the 1st and 2nd team," McElhaney wrote on Twitter. "Same with Ruke Orhorhoro, Brandon Dorlus, David Onyemata, Zach Harrison, Leonard Floyd, Arnold Ebiketie, etc. The pairings and groupings are ever changing almost play in and play out." The Falcons finished 31st in the NFL with 31 defensive sacks last season and have since lost Pro Bowl defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. Orhorhoro and Dorlus didn't receive much playing time as rookies, but both are expected to help fill the void in 2025. Ebiketie is entering a contract year and should have every incentive to play his best this season. The former second-round pick has added competition with rookies Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. expected to play major roles as well. Falcons wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. made his camp debut on Saturday. The former Pro Bowler was spotted wearing a the No. 16 as he looks to help fill in for an injured Darnell Mooney (shoulder). Check out the team's updated 90-man roster.
USA Today
06-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Falcons RB Bijan Robinson was mic'd up at 2025 Pro Bowl Games
The Atlanta Falcons ended their season on a disappointing note, losing two straight games and missing the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year. It wasn't all bad, though, and the team's future appears bright with its trio of stars on offense. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. played well during his three starts while running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London recorded the first 1,000-yard seasons of their careers. Robinson was the biggest breakout star of the bunch. The second-year running back finished third in rushing with 1,456 yards and 14 touchdowns. Robinson was chosen to replace Eagles running back Saquon Barkley at the 2025 Pro Bowl Games. Barkley could not attend due to his team making the Super Bowl. Robinson was happy to fill in and was mic'd up for his weekend at the Pro Bowl. Watch below, as shared by the team's social media account: Over his first two NFL seasons, Robinson has rushed for 2,432 yards and 18 touchdowns, adding 119 catches for 918 receiving yards and another five scores through the air.
