FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons are preparing for offseason decisions that will impact the 2025 season and beyond. There will be departures, additions and players working their way back from injury to consider.
There are two key players who fall into that last category for Atlanta — Bralen Trice and DeMarcco Hellams. Both were lost for the season during the Falcons' first preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, and each could have a role for a defense in transition.
Trice, a third-round pick for Atlanta in the 2024 NFL Draft, could be the biggest x-factor for the defense next season. In his first training camp, Trice showed potential as an impact player off the edge. He was the Washington Huskies' defensive MVP in both 2022 and 2023 and finished his college career with 28.5 tackles for a loss and 18 sacks over 40 games played.
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"Another versatile player, tough, instinctive, he can play the run, he can rush the passer," Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot said of Trice after they selected him. "Powerful, heavy-handed on the edge, and again, excellent motor, non-stop motor. Love the way he plays the game and the way he approaches the game."
Trice is part of a rookie class that also includes Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus, who will likely be asked to handle a bigger workload on the interior of Atlanta's defensive line in their second seasons. Their play on the inside, coupled with Trice's performance off the edge, will be crucial for the defensive front in 2025.
It's a group that ended the year on a hot streak. Atlanta ranked 11th in rushing yards allowed per game and second in sacks per pass attempt from Weeks 13-18 last season. Arnold Ebiketie made an impact off the edge with five sacks in the final six games, but the pass rush remains a central area of focus for the team.
If Trice can step up opposite of Ebiketie, it would go a long way towards settling a position group that has been an annual question in Atlanta.
Safety was a strength for the defense in 2024 thanks to the high-caliber play of Jessie Bates III and Justin Simmons. Simmons is set to be a free agent, however, and the Falcons may need to find a different running mate for Bates on the back end.
Hellams is an interesting in-house candidate for that job. It's a role he appeared poised to take over based on his work in training camp, when he was regularly working with the first-team unit. A former seventh-round pick for Atlanta in 2023, Hellams started four of the team's final six games as a rookie.
An ankle injury robbed Hellams of a critical second season, however, and it remains somewhat of a mystery how exactly the Falcons planned to use him. Bates is versatile enough to work with a lot of different players opposite him, which gives the coaching staff nice flexibility at the position. While he wasn't on the field, Hellams stayed engaged in the meeting rooms to be ready for a future return.
"He's been in every meeting, understanding what he's supposed to do," Falcons assistant head coach/defense Jerry Gray said during the season. "You know, we've given him assignments, say, what about this here. He gets an assignment on Tuesday, and then he has to present it on Friday. So, mentally he's prepared, even though physically he may not be out there. Because to me, I'm a firm believer, if you really go mentally, you'll get your body back right. If you take a year off mentally and physically, it's going to be a strain."
The coaching staff will have the best sense of anyone what Hellams is capable of in their defensive designs, but are the Falcons ready to fully rely on him as a 17-game starter? Has the change in defensive coordinator altered that thinking?
If Hellams is a player the Falcons trust for that role, it would allow them to focus on some of their other defensive needs this offseason. It's a lot to expect him to immediately play to the level Simmons did in 2024, and he'd likely be tested a lot in his first year as a starter.
Trice and Hellams are two blank puzzle pieces for the Falcons this offseason. They could prove to be exactly the right fit and help fill out the defense, but there's no guarantee that will be the case. When looking at Atlanta's future outlook on defense, though, there's no doubt that they are a key part of the picture.
Join us as we take a look back on our favorite photos of offense moments from the Atlanta Falcons' 2024-2025 season.
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Troy Andersen #44 runs to the endzone during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 and Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 react after a play during the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 speaks in the team huddle before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 intercepts a pass during the fourth quarter of the Week 6 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, October 13, 2024. (Photo by Joshua Lavallee/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 during the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 celebrates during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 makes a tackle during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Troy Andersen #44 scores a touchdown during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 during warm ups before the Week 1 Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 8, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 makes a sack during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Clark Phillips III #22 returns a punt during the second half of the Week 6 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, October 13, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 intercepts the ball for a touchdown during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Steven Burroughs/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman David Onyemata #90 sacks Baker Mayfield during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Steven Burroughs/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 breaks up a pass during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Bee Trofort-Wilson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 reacts after a tackle during the second quarter of the Week 6 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, October 13, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Nate Landman #53 reacts during the Week 1 Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 8, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 reacts after an interception during the fourth quarter of the Week 6 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, October 13, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 and Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 tackle the receiver during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Kevin King #32 and cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. #33 after the Week 8 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, October 27, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 intercepts a pass during the third quarter of the Week 8 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, October 27, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 makes a tackle during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 makes a tackle during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Eddie Goldman #99 sacks the quarterback during the first quarter of the Week 14 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Sunday, December 8, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Bee Trofort-Wilson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 reacts during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 reacts during the fourth quarter of the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defense celebrates during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 reacts during the third quarter of the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 reacts after a sack during the third quarter of the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 makes a tackle during the fourth quarter of the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 prior to the Week 14 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Sunday, December 8, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 makes a sack during the Week 1 Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 8, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 during the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 lines up during the fourth quarter of the Week 6 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, October 13, 2024. (Photo by Joshua Lavallee/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Troy Andersen #44 makes a tackle during the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Kentavius Street #93 tackles the quarterback for a safety during the Week 15 Game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, December 16, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 runs out of the tunnel before the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 intercepts the ball for a touchdown during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 makes a sack during the Week 1 Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 8, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 catches an interception during the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Kathryn Skeean/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 gives a speech to the team before the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 makes a tackle during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 intercepts a pass during the fourth quarter of the Week 15 Game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, December 16, 2024. (Photo by Chris Unger/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55, Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 and Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 make a tackle during the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 dives for the ball during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman David Onyemata #90 sacks Baker Mayfield during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Kentavius Street #93 makes a sack during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Clark Phillips III #22 intercepts a pass during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. #33 during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 sacks the quarterback during the third quarter of the Week 14 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Sunday, December 8, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman David Onyemata #90 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Bee Trofort-Wilson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman David Onyemata #90 makes a tackle during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 intercepts the ball for a touchdown during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro #98 celebrates a tackle with Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 celebrates a sack during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Kathryn Skeean/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Demone Harris #91 reacts during the first quarter of the Week 15 Game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, December 16, 2024. (Photo by Chris Unger/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 runs after intercepting a pass during the second quarter of the Week 17 Game against the Washington Commanders at Commanders Field in Greater Landover, Maryland on Sunday, December 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15, Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 and Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Kathryn Skeean/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter #0 watches the Raiders offense line up during the Week 15 Game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, December 16, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 reacts after a sack during the second quarter of the Week 17 Game against the Washington Commanders at Commanders Field in Greater Landover, Maryland on Sunday, December 29, 2024. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 lines up during the first quarter of the Week 17 Game against the Washington Commanders at Commanders Field in Greater Landover, Maryland on Sunday, December 29, 2024. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 scores on a pick six during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Kathryn Skeean/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes #21 and Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 reacts after an interception during the fourth quarter of the Week 15 Game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, December 16, 2024. (Photo by Chris Unger/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 intercepts the ball for a touchdown during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Steven Burroughs/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Eddie Goldman #99 during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes #21 during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 reacts after an interception during the fourth quarter of the Week 15 Game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, December 16, 2024. (Photo by Chris Unger/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 runs out of the tunnel before the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Nate Landman #53 makes a tackle during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Atlanta Falcons)
