FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — It may have raised some eyebrows when James Smith-Williams lined up with the first-team defense at the start of training camp, but it wasn't a surprise internally.
The plan was set in place months ago after Smith-Williams signed with Atlanta in early April. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake met with Smith-Williams at a dinner prior to his contract agreement and laid out the pitch for a versatile lineman role on the edge.
"They obviously had a clear, concise plan," Smith-Williams said. "What they told me is what kind of manifested."
For the defensive lineman, it was a "no-brainer" to join the Falcons. That brings us to July where Smith-Williams has seen the majority of the reps on the edge with the starting group during training camp alongside Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata.
"James is one of those guys that has that kind of role clarity, the ability to go practice, to be able to be present every single day within that role, and now you're watching it grow," Morris said. "It's not shocking because you see it so much in football, but it's just nice to see it around here."
Like any job, football players also need defined roles. That is something Morris and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers harped on Tuesday after practice. Smith-Williams would define his role as a "tweener": He can drop into coverage or rush the passer, whatever is needed of him. While he may be officially labeled a defensive end, he mostly works within the outside linebacker room. Through the first six training camp practices, when the Falcons have broken into position groups, that's exactly where he's been.
When the first team is on the field, Smith-Williams has lined up opposite Lorenzo Carter on the edge. The two veterans — Smith-Williams has spent five years in the league while Carter has played for seven — have watched film and studied different techniques together. Carter echoed Morris' assessment, highlighting Smith-Williams' dedication to learning the playbook and excelling in his defined role. While they both carry that veteran presence in the room, Smith-Williams is described as more of a low-key leader.
"He's a quiet guy, just coming to work," third-year outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie said. "(He) just pays attention to details."
That isn't really anything new for Smith-Williams. He quietly had a solid standing with the Washington Commanders, spending four seasons with the team that drafted him as a 2020 seventh-rounder.
"One thing you notice that jumps out is he played a lot of snaps out there on the edge for Washington. If I remember correctly, they had Montez Sweat and Chase Young out there, and he's playing close to 400 snaps," Rodgers said. "So, they obviously trust him."
With Washington, Smith-Williams played 407 snaps in 13 games last season as part of a defensive line that has been considered among the league's most talented in recent years. Smith-Williams' role isn't anything new, either. Morris noted that he liked what he saw from his college tape at NC State as an edge setter. When scouting him in free agency, Rodgers and outside linebackers coach Jacquies Smith were high on the "big body type" that Smith-Williams brings to the edge and his ability to play multiple areas on third down.
While Smith-Williams flew under almost everyone's radar outside the Falcons' facility, the excitement for what he can do this season has been building within the team. Now, it's translating on the field.
"He's really showing up because he is playing so clear," Morris said. "He is playing with just a light head. He's playing with an easy mind, easy heart and just having fun. And he's been fun to watch grow."
