FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — When Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator walked into the media room Saturday afternoon, he needed a moment.
"You guys got to forgive me," he said. "I'm in a weird space right now. I didn't think that he'd get to us right there."
The Falcons had just selected defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. with the No. 118 overall pick.
"I came in this morning, and I was urging them to move up and go get him," Ulbrich said. "I didn't think he'd get to pick 15 of the fourth round there. But man, another excellent pickup."
More NFL Draft Coverage
Bowman marked the Falcons' fourth defensive selection. They grabbed two edge rushers Thursday during the first round, Jalon Walker at No. 15 and James Pearce Jr. at No. 26. Atlanta made a trade with the Los Angeles Rams to move back into the opener for Pearce, sending three picks, including a first-round pick next year, and getting two in return. The Falcons then traded again Friday — this time, a two-for-one package for the Philadelphia Eagles —to move up in the third round for safety Xavier Watts at No. 96.
Two trades in two days set a new high for Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot. The third day isn't over, either. The Falcons are still scheduled for No. 218 in the seventh round.
"It's about who the player is, and we're not being irresponsible about it," Fontenot said. "We're making decisions based on conviction and love for players and knowing the impact they're going to make on this time.
There was no need to make a trade for Bowman — and that clearly shocked Ulbrich.
Bowman, not so much.
"When I looked down and seen where the call was coming from, it was amazing," Bowman said. "This was one of the spots I had a feeling I would land. It's great to be back in that black and red."
Bowman played for the University of Oklahoma from 2021-24, compiling 199 tackles, nine of which were for a loss, in addition to 14 pass breakups and 11 interceptions. Those 11 interceptions tied for third most among all defensive backs.
He had a career- and league-high six picks in 2023 alone, and three were returned for touchdowns — from 44, 45 and 100 yards out.
Also, Bowman forced two fumbles and recovered three throughout his career. There was a 43-yard recovery-turned-touchdown in 2024.
"When that ball touches my hands, it comes so natural," Bowman said. "I just feel like I prepare very well for my opponent. I definitely work very hard. The results don't come as a surprise."
The biggest critique toward Bowman throughout the draft process has been his size. He's 5-foot-10 and 192 pounds. His arm length was measured at 28 ½ inches, giving him a wingspan of 70 ¾ inches. Bowman ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash, a 2.59 20-yarder and a 1.56 10-yarder at the 2025 NFL Combine.
Because of those numbers, Ulbrich considers Bowman a little undersized for the safety position and therefore plans to place him at nickel.
"I think that's a little bit more conducive to his skill set," Ulbrich said. "The little bit shorter limb, little bit smaller in stature. I think nickels need short-space quickness. They need the ability to match guys in the slot. Obviously they're going against, typically, the quickest receiver. So, he matches that profile perfectly. Plus, high-level intelligence.
"Not to mention, we're talking about like off-the-charts character, too. Just true love for ball. He's going to bring talent, but he's going to bring leadership as well."
Bowman is originally from Denton, Texas. He'll come to Atlanta — for his first time ever, actually — in a few weeks when the Falcons' three-day rookie minicamp begins May 9.
The 22-year-old is more than ready.
"Everything starts over now," Bowman said. "Gotta go back to work."
Join us as we take a look at the 2025 NFL draft class for the Atlanta Falcons, presented by Truist.
Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker (11) sets up for a play against Alabama during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker (11) sacks TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) during the second half of the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game, Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker (11) works against Florida offensive lineman Austin Barber (58) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. (27) reacts to making a sack during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. (27) against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
UTEP quarterback JP Pickles (19) is sacked by Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. (27) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. (27) lines up for a play during an NCAA football game against Arkansas on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. Arkansas won 19-14. (AP Photo/Mike Buscher)
Photos of the Georgia Tech vs Notre Dame Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Saturday, October 19, 2024. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts (0) leaps up to try and make an interception near the sideline as Northern Illinois full back Brock Lampe (49) defends during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina)
Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts (0) tries to rip the ball away from Virginia quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina)
Scenes from the College Football National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Monday, January 20, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
Oklahoma defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. (2) celebrates after intercepting a Texas pass in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Dallas, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Oklahoma defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. (2) tackles UCF running back RJ Harvey (7) in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. warms up before an NCAA college football game against Texas at the Cotton Bowl, Saturday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Dallas. Texas won 34-3. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Oklahoma defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. (2) tackles BYU running back Aidan Robbins (3) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Wisconsin offensive lineman Jack Nelson smiles on the bench during the an NCAA college football game against Illinois Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Wisconsin's Jack Nelson lines up during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia Southern Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Wisconsin's Jack Nelson lines up during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia Southern Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Wisconsin offensive lineman Jack Nelson (79) plays against Purdue during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
