The Falcons have selected defensive back DeMarcco Hellams from Alabama with the No. 224 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Let's learn more about the first of two Falcons seventh-round selections:
Position: Defensive back
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 203
School: Alabama
2022 stats: 108 tackles | 7.5 TFLs |2.5 sacks | 1 forced fumble | 8 passes defensed | 1 INT
We take a look at DeMarcco Hellams in action prior to being selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2023 NFL Draft, presented by Wells Fargo.
Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (2), linebacker Christian Harris (8) and defensive lineman Byron Young (47) gang tackle Mercer running back Brandon Marshall (8) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (2) celebrates an interception against Georgia during the second half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama defensive lineman Tim Smith (50) and defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (2) tackle Vanderbilt running back Rocko Griffin (24) for a loss during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (2) cheers after a stop of Texas A&M during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (29) plays against Notre Dame during the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (2) celebrates after breaking up an Auburn pass play during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (29) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Western Carolina, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (2) sets up for a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (29) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Southern Miss, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Instant analysis: The Falcons have added a defensive back primarily known as a free safety, who also has experience playing in the slot or playing down in the box. He's a solid, sure open-field tackler who plays aggressive in the run game. He's also a quality cover man against tight ends and running backs, but must improve his anticipation and zone coverage at the NFL level. He joins a safety corps that includes Jessie Bates III, Richie Grant and Jaylinn Hawkins. He also stands as the second defensive back drafted on Day 3.
While that's a snapshot of his defensive chops, but there's more to his evaluation than that.
Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot stated that you need a four-down strategy for Day 3 picks, and Hellams fits into that vision. How? He have to be a factor on special teams and, if he makes the team out of camp, could end up a core player in the kicking game.
Here's a summation of his NFL potential from The Athletic's Dane Brugler and his draft guide.
"Overall, Hellams will struggle to mask his lack of recovery speed, balance and burst versus NFL athletes, but he always seems to be around the ball and competes with the attacking demeanor that fills up the stat sheet. He projects as an NFL strong safety and low-hole defender who should be a regular on special teams."
What's next: The Falcons have one more draft pick, at No. 225 overall.
Check back for more photos and highlights of the latest Falcons draft pick.
