Crimson Tide NFL Team Rundown: Atlanta Falcons

Which former members of the Crimson Tide are a member of the Atlanta Falcons? What are the Falcons aspirations following a 2022 season that saw them finish last place in the NFC South?

Last year was a rough one for the Atlanta Falcons. They won seven games, going 1-7 on the road, and saw a quarterback change late in the season. 

Atlanta bolstered its defense some during the offseason, signing safety Jessie Bates III, adding pass rush help, and through draft with edge Zach Harrison from Ohio State, cornerback Clark Phillips II from Utah, and safety DeMarcco Hellams from Alabama. 

The Falcons also drafted dynamic Texas running back Bijan Robinson in the first round, who some are calling the obvious favorite to be the NFL's offensive rookie of the year.

Currently, two former members of the Crimson Tide are rostered with the Atlanta Falcons: wide receiver Slade Bolden signed a one-year $750,000 deal with the team on May 14th, while Hellams was a seventh-round selection.

SEE ALSO: Is Julio Jones the Greatest Player in Atlanta Falcons History?

How can these two former members of the Crimson Tide help the Falcons in 2023?

First off, they have to survive training camp. Atlanta currently has 12 wide receivers on its roster, meaning that half of them won't make it onto the 53-man roster. Bolden has to develop chemistry with starting quarterback Desmond Ridder if he has a chance to make the team. Bolden will have his work cut out for him.

For Hellams, the route to the 53 might be a little easier, seeing as he has a rookie development curve that most teams seem willing to ride out for at least a season unless it's obvious he just isn't a good fit. Being a seventh-round draft pick, however, means that he has almost no margin for error. 

The best scenario would be for him to sort of be an understudy to Bates, and also play special teams. 

What should Falcons fans expect from their team in 2023? 

Atlanta lost seven games in 2022 by one score, so the gap in the NFC South may not be as big as some believe. The Falcons' hopes, however, ride on the development of a young offense. Ridder is in year one as a full-time starter, year two overall, wide receiver Drake London is in year two, and tight end Kyle Pitts is in year three. Training camp and preseason are going to be valuable to the development and continuity of this Falcons offense. 

Active Atlanta Falcons

#89 Slade Bolden, WR
#37 DeMarcco Hellams, S

Unrestricted Free Agent

#54 Rashaan Evans, LB

Active Alabama Crimson Tide Players by Team