Falcons Draft 'Hard-Hitting' Demarcco Hellams: 5 Questions on Alabama DB
The Atlanta Falcons are hoping their secondary improves by taking a flier on seventh-round pick Demarcco Hellams.
Hellams was taken with the No. 224 pick in the NFL Draft after four seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
To learn more about Hellams, we spoke with BamaCentral contributor Hunter De Siver.
1) Why did it take until the seventh round to draft Hellams?
Hellams has a decent amount of positives, such as his team-leading tackle numbers and a hard-hitting ability, but he gets beat in man coverage far too often.
2) What are his strengths?
Hellams recorded a team-high 108 tackles last season. When coming face-to-face with a ball carrier in the open field, Hellams will tackle him according to the textbook. He's good, but not amazing in zone coverage, but will close in fairly quick. He's a hard-hitter as well and could force some fumbles or pass breakups if he sees the field on Sundays.
3) What are his weaknesses?
Man coverage. Remember when former Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt had five touchdowns against Alabama? Hellams was a large reason for that as Hyatt blew by him every time. However, he fairs relatively well against tight ends. He could also have better horizontal speed to get across the field. His 4.57-second 40-time isn't great for defensive backs.
4) Is there an NFL player that reminds you of Hellams' game?
A slightly smaller Kyle Hamilton. The former Notre Dame safety is an extremely effective tackler that knows when to lay someone out in the open field. But like Hellams, Hamilton can sometimes struggle with lateral movement, man coverage and isn't particularly fast. Don't get me wrong, Hamilton is one of the premier safeties in the NFL after just one season. Hellams probably won't play as well, but they have similar attributes.
5) What's his likely projection in the NFL?
Strong safety Jaylinn Hawkins is currently ahead of him on the depth chart, but strong safety is a relatively scarce position for the Falcons. Jessie Bates has the free safety position locked up, but an injury to Hawkins could mean Hellams is on deck. Hellams definitely has a shot at making a career in the NFL, but as a seventh-rounder, the odds are stacked against him. If he could improve on his man coverage skills, there's not much else for him to work on. I don't see him ever turning into a Kam Chancellor type of player, but he's got the talent for a slightly lower ceiling.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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