Falcons Sign DeMarcco Hellams to Rookie Contract: Details

The Atlanta Falcons have signed seventh-round draft pick and former Alabama safety DeMarcco Hellams to his rookie contract.

Now roughly two weeks removed from the 2023 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons have officially agreed to terms with one of their six selections.

According to our Aaron Wilson, the Falcons signed seventh-round pick and former Alabama safety DeMarcco Hellams to a standard rookie deal at four years, $3.946 million with a $106,300 signing bonus.

Hellams was taken by Atlanta at No. 224 overall, making him the fifth member of Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot's third draft class.

Atlanta entered the draft in need of depth at safety and feels as if Hellams has a chance to bring that - in addition to a number of other qualities that Fontenot broke down post-draft.

"Versatile player - safety, but he can play down, he can play deep," Fontenot said. "Productive player. He's smart, (can play on) special teams."

Nicknamed "hitman" by his teammates for his ability to deliver powerful hits on opponents, Hellams grew into a reliable face on Alabama's defense.

The 6-1, 203-pound Hellams played in 54 games across four seasons in Tuscaloosa and led the Crimson Tide in tackles this past season with 108, good enough to rank sixth in the SEC. He added three tackles for loss, seven pass breakups and an interception in 2022.

Hellams, 22, started his career at Alabama on special teams and will follow a similar path in Atlanta, where his physicality and tackling translate nicely to kickoff and punt coverage teams.

As a safety, Hellams thrives in the box against the run and has experience playing in the slot, which defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen is expected to value in the "big nickel" role.

When entering the seventh round, the success rate of players making final rosters isn't great ... but it doesn't feel far-fetched to see Hellams making the team out of camp due to his potential to be a special teams standout with added benefit as a niche-fit big nickel.

And now, the first step of that mission is complete, as Hellams is officially under contract and ready to roll for the start of Falcons rookie minicamp, which begins May 12.

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You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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