TAKEOVER: Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman AIM For Jessie Bates' Throne As Atlanta Falcons' TOP Safety

Atlanta Falcons’ Xavier Watts eyes Jessie Bates’ crown as Atlanta’s top game-changing safety. Can he anchor the secondary and lead a defensive resurgence? Rookie Billy Bowman’s role remains a mystery as he battles back from an Achilles injury. Will he reclaim the nickel cornerback spot or shift to safety long-term? Host Aaron Freeman breaks down the Falcons’ 2025 rookie class expectations entering their second seasons, highlighting Watts’ playmaking skills and coverage limitations, and the impact of post-rookie minicamp roster moves, including additions like Layden Robinson and Brandon Walton. Explore Bowman’s recovery, the battle for backup kick returner between Vinny Anthony and Keelan Marion in lieu of Deven Thompkins's release, and competition at guard heading into training camp. Unpack what these changes mean for Atlanta’s defense and special teams as the Falcons prep for a pivotal season. #atlantafalcons #nfl #nfldraft #2026nfldraft #xavierwatts #jessiebates #billybowman #avieonterrell #mikehughes Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms  🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-falcons/ Locked On NFL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, & More  🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nfl Become a Locked On Falcons Insider for in-depth analysis every day! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonfalcons Join our Discord server! https://discord.gg/lockedonfalcons Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonfalcons.supercast.com/ Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!  Square  If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL.  Indeed  Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.  Rocket Money  Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON Gametime  Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.  FanDuel  Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at https://sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit https://FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit https://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit https://ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.