Falcons DB Jessie Bates earns top-5 honors in ESPN safety rankings
· Yahoo Sports
The last regime in the Atlanta Falcons' front office certainly had their flaws, particularly at quarterback. However, one thing they got right was investing in a top-notch defensive backfield, which is one of the NFL's best.
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Only two teams are spending more than Atlanta at the safety position, where former Pro Bowler Jessie Bates III is taking up $24.77 million of the Falcons' $31.28 million they have invested at this spot.
That may sound like a lot, but it's better to pay for a great safety than to field a mediocre starter at this position, which is so often overlooked in modern roster-building. Heading into his ninth year as a pro, Bates is still considered one of the game's best safeties.
According to the annual position rankings at ESPN, league executives have ranked Bates fifth at safety this year.
"Bates is always a threat to flip the momentum of a game with one play. He's one of the game's great ball hawks, registering 27 interceptions in eight seasons. Thirteen of those picks have come in his three seasons in Atlanta, and in each of those seasons, he has returned one for a touchdown. He has a flair for yardage after the pick, with 384 return yards for an average of 14.2 yards per interception."
While he's approaching the big 30 that often represents a dramatic drop-off for defensive backs, Bates is still performing at a very high level and he should get consideration for a contract extension. Doing so could save the Falcons another $10 million that they could use to address holes at wide receiver or defensive tackle.
Bates isn't the only stud at safety on Atlanta's roster, though. Xavier Watts earned an honorable mention on ESPN's list after a stellar rookie season.
"He has a chance to be one of the best safeties in the league. [He] has very similar qualities to his running mate [Bates]." -- NFL coordinator"
Together this is one of the NFL's best starting combos at safety - and it's a roster strength that Matt Ryan and company should continue to build on in the future.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons DB Jessie Bates earns top-5 honors in ESPN safety rankings