When the Atlanta Falcons signed safety Jessie Bates, III to a four-year, $64 million contract leading up to the 2023 season, the hope was that he would be a cornerstone for a new-look Atlanta defense. In 2023, he not only became that foundation, he became one of the standards for safety play in the NFL. Bates was second in the NFL in total tackles, solo tackles and interceptions. Not convinced? Then, you can ask The 33rd Team and Twitter's Grok AI system. Their prediction is that Bates is poised for another massive year of production in 2024.
The biggest ballhawks this upcoming season according to @grok ❌ pic.twitter.com/x0Z9SnuU1H
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) June 18, 2024
If Bates were to pull in nine interceptions, that would tie Jairus Byrd and Darren Sharper for the most interceptions by a safety since 2009. Byrd won Rookie of the Year, and Sharper was a first-team All-Pro with those numbers. Bates is set up for a massive year production-wise, especially with the freedom Morris' two-high safety scheme will afford him. Morris runs most of his cover-three looks from a two-high shell, allowing Bates to roam the middle of the field, using his instincts and athleticism to disrupt the passing game.
