What Does Falcons' Jessie Bates Signing Mean for Jaylinn Hawkins?

With the signing of Jessie Bates III, it seems Jaylinn Hawkins will be his backup, but what does that exactly mean for him going forward?

The Atlanta Falcons made a big addition in free agency by signing safety Jessie Bates III. 

Bates signed a four-year deal that will make him, in all likelihood, the partner of Richie Grant over the top of the Falcons' defense. 

So what does this mean for Jaylinn Hawkins? Well, if you were wondering if the signing of Bates meant we wouldn't see much of Hawkins anymore, that isn't the case. 

“Hawk is a valuable member of our football team,” Smith said. “There will be opportunities, I promise you. I know you want the depth chart right now."

As Smith would go on to somewhat explain, being a "starter" doesn't matter as much in modern-day football because of how offenses have evolved. With that offensive evolution comes defensive changes, so even if a player doesn't start, they can still get plenty of snaps.

“We are not ready to give you the depth chart right now. But he could play in a lot (of) personnel groups. A lot of teams play in a lot of 11 personnel, so you are seeing a lot of five DB, six DB packages," Smith added. 

Right now, it seems the Falcons could be looking to use Hawkins as their third safety, which will have him play in certain defensive packages for Atlanta, depending on what personnel the offense shows. 

Hawkins started 16 games for the Falcons, recording 84 total tackles with two interceptions and six passes defended last season.

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