Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates made the NFL Top 100 List for the second year in a row.
However, this time around, Bates’ ranking within the top 100 came in lower than last season.
Coming in at No.92, Bates dropped 18 spots from his previous ranking of No.74.
While making the list is an honor in itself, voted on by fellow players, the fall of Bates’ ranking doesn’t line up with his impactful 2024 season.
In just his second year with the Falcons, Bates continues to serve as a major anchor for Atlanta’s defense.
He brings leadership, consistency and production to a team that is trying to get over the hump and back to the playoffs.
Falcons’ Safety Had Productive 2024 Season
Falcons’ safety Jessie Bates didn’t just have a productive 2024 season, he took over.
During the 2024 season, Bates recorded 102 tackles, one sack, four interceptions (tied for 5th) and had a league-leading four forced fumbles.
Bates enjoyed being the only player, at any position, to have four or more forced fumbles as well as four or more interceptions.
Bates also started all 17 games last season and, per PFF, he was fifth in pass break-ups and had the 9th best coverage grade of qualifying safeties.
While Atlanta did have some rocky play at times on defense, Bates continued to answer the call.
With the Falcons looking to bounce back in 2025 and make a playoff push, it is clear that with Bates, the Falcons have a difference maker.
NFL Rank Doesn’t Match Bates’ Value
For a player who had a productive 2024 season and stayed healthy for all of it, coming in at No.92 feels like a miss.
With the NFL Top 100 often highlighting offensive stars, quarterbacks and the defensive elites, leaders like Bates also deserve more spotlight.
Per PFF, Bates was ranked as the 12th best safety in football and had the 9th best coverage grade.
Bates is a player worthy of a higher ranking and his teammates, along with league analysts, know that too.
Falcons’ Digital Team Reporter Terrin Waack highlighted several key quotes and moments from the Falcons brass that capture Bates’ impact.
“He’s a different kind of guy,” Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said this offseason. “The most similar guy I said when I got here was Ronde Barber, when it came to the preparation of it all.”
Waack also highlighted that Bates not only knows his role on the team, he embraces it with everything he has.
“My goal is to be the best leader on this team,” Bates said. “All the All-Pro, all the Pro Bowl, all that stuff will come when we win. I truly believe that. That’s not a focus of mine, which is fine.”
Heading into the 2025 season, the Falcons will need Bates to continue his high level of play.
With a re-tooled defense, new defensive coordinator and an offense looking to make a splash, Bates is primed for another elite campaign.
Even if this season didn’t earn him a higher spot in the top 100, it is clear that Bates will be ready to take the field this season, and look to prove it all over again.
