Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
When the Atlanta Falcons selected Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts in the third round of the NFL Draft, he didn’t expect to hear from his idol so soon. But just minutes after being drafted, Watts received a direct message on Instagram from Jessie Bates III — the player he had modeled his game after.
“Can’t wait to get to work with you,” Bates wrote.
For Watts, it was a surreal moment. “I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t like a fanboy or anything, but it was crazy,” Watts said. “Like, ‘All right, this is real now.’”
Leading by Example and by Voice
Bates has already been a key leader for the Falcons, especially since joining the team in 2023. This offseason, he’s taken things up a notch — reading leadership books like The Twin Thieves and mentoring younger teammates, including rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., whose locker sits right next to his.
Now, with longtime defensive leader Grady Jarrett no longer on the roster, Bates’ leadership role has become even more important. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said Bates is firmly part of the team’s core leadership group — if not the leader of it. Other players stepping into mentor roles include cornerback A.J. Terrell and linebacker Kaden Elliss.
On-Field Production Matches Off-Field Impact
Bates doesn’t just talk the talk. In 2023, he was the only player in the NFL with at least four interceptions and four forced fumbles. He’s already been named an All-Pro twice and is widely respected across the league. Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has even called him the best safety in the NFL.
But Bates wants to do more than lead with stats. He’s mentoring younger players, like first-round pick Jalon Walker.
“He’s someone that we look up to, someone we look to for help and advice and someone that has set the standard so high that no one has the choice but follow it,” Walker said.
Preparing a Young Defense
The Falcons are expected to have a very young defense in 2025. Walker and fellow first-round pick James Pearce Jr. are both rookie edge rushers likely to see significant playing time. Watts and fourth-round pick Billy Bowman Jr. — who will play nickel corner — are also expected to contribute early. Up front, defensive linemen Zach Harrison, Ruke Orhorhoro, and Brandon Dorlus are all under 25.
Bates wants to help them grow.
“[You just want to make] them feel comfortable in the scheme and just let them know that you’re in your dream, you just started your dream, but there’s a whole lot more that you can do in this league,” he said. “You didn’t just get here just to get drafted and play one year in this league. I know you want to have a long career.
“And just teaching those guys the daily habits, not just talking about it, but being an example for these guys every single day. You just do little stuff every single day and that type of stuff that adds up.”
Earning Respect from Coaches
New defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been blown away by Bates’ presence in the film room and on the field.
“I mean, Captain Obvious a little bit — he’s one of the best safeties I’ve ever been around playing or coaching,” Ulbrich said. “Just his stuff above the neck is one of one, as far as I’m concerned. His ability to see this game probably better than most coaches I’ve ever been around. And as we’re installing new defenses, I’m just looking at him and his body language and he’s searching in the sky for where do my plays live within this defense.
“And it’s just so unique and the questions he asked are so deliberate, intentional, and he doesn’t want to just know it, he wants to master it and it’s very unique in that way.”
A Natural Leader
For veteran cornerback Mike Hughes, Bates is simply the complete package.
“He’s vocal,” cornerback Mike Hughes said. “He’s a guy that puts the work in. He studies real hard, and he’s just a natural born leader.
“You kind of got to be around him to feel the aura, but I mean, he’s just all around, bro. I can’t really say enough about him and what he does for this team.”
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This report used information from ESPN.
