Key Defensive Back Camp Battles You Should Be Paying Attention To
As the NFL offseason progresses, the most intriguing and competitive storyline will likely come from the defensive back camp battles. With the passing game becoming increasingly vital in today’s NFL, having a strong, adaptable, and deep defensive backfield is essential for any team’s success. This off-season, several teams are witnessing significant changes and intense competitions within their defensive back groups. From seasoned veterans fighting to maintain their starting roles to promising rookies eager to prove their worth, to new team schemes and coaches, these camp battles offer promise to be both thrilling and pivotal. As we delve into the key battles, we’ll highlight the players to watch, their strengths, and what they need to do to secure their spots on the roster. Get ready for an in-depth look at the players who will be crucial in defending against the league’s top passing attacks this season.
In this guide, Defensive Back Position Battles I choose to highlight some key things happening to six teams now- The Bills, Falcons, Texans, Bengals, Chiefs, Jaguars, and Eagles. Join me in discussing how we think those camp battles will shape out.
Buffalo Bills
Safety – Cole Bishop (rookie) vs. Taylor Rapp and Mike Edwards
The Bills run a 4-2-5 scheme and were 7th ranked in passing defense (196.6) last season. Major transitions are underway with Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde gone, ending their seven-year partnership. Rapp was re-signed to fill Hyde’s spot, and Edwards was brought in from the Chiefs to replace Poyer.
Cole Bishop is the name you want to watch. Bishop, a second-round pick, who was a Pac-12 All-Conference Honorable mention had 54 tackles. One year later he earned the award again this time with 84 tackles. He will be involved in Camp battles early as will be learning both positions and will need an outstanding camp to earn a starting role, while Hamlin had a productive spring and is likely locked into the No. 4 spot.
My take: Rapp and Edwards are your veteran starters until the rookie figures things out.
Atlanta Falcons
Safety – DeMarcco Hellams vs. Richie Grant
Except for A.J. Terrell there’s is a completion battle going on the other side at cornerback. None of those names are incredibly appealing right now so we will have to tune in to the pre-season to get that answer. The safety position is one to look at. Another lockdown player is Jessie Bates, who showed the world that he is an All-Pro.
The other Safety position has a position battle that was left unsolved last year.
Richie Grant ranked 97th among 101 safeties per PFF, which caused him to be benched in week 13, opening the door to a fairly unknown rookie who was selected with the 224th pick.
Demarcco Hellams was a popular college prospect for 3/4 of the year last year from Alabama. A terrible game vs Tennessee (the one where Jalen Hyatt has five TDS) pushed his draft value down the card. Outside of that one game, he was a solid producer.
Hellams took over as a starting safety in Week 13 and delivered 25 total tackles in his five games over that span. Smart owners who were wise at the change got rewarded value in tackle premium lineups.
Heading into 2024, the Falcons have an all-new coaching staff between head coach Raheem Morris and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake. This one is tricky because a new coaching regime, just may prefer to go with Grant on this one.
My take- DeMarcco Hellams. Tape clearly shows he was the superior player, so he should by default be the full-time starter for the entire year.
https://t.co/ZUpcZxGB1c
Remembering why Demarcco Hellams was picked 224th overall? Jalen Hyatt does.— IDPHunter (Steve Hungarter) (@IDPHunter) July 20, 2024
Houston Texans
Safety – Jimmie Ward vs. Calen Bullock (rookie)
If you look over at the Texans, they have a nice front seven but questions remain in the secondary. Rookie Caden Bullock profiles as a deep Safety, someone who plays excellently in zones and against pass defense. Assuming the way to beat the Texans this season, will be to throw at them that this skill set will be needed.
With three positions being locked up (Pitre at strong safety and Lassiter, Stingley, and King playing the cornerback duties) the question remains at free safety if Jimmie Ward, the projected starter can hold off the rookie. This pre-season both will get a shot to play and we will have that answer.
My Take: Given the high stakes of this team, I think Calen Bullock wins it, Ward has been suspected of injuries and is older now so give it time.
Cincinnati Bengals
Safety – Vonn Bell vs. Jordan Battle
The Bengals have some tough competition in the AFC. With teams like The Chiefs, Ravens, Bills, and Texans running a dime scheme and focusing on defensive backs is certainly a good look. The competition and camp battles are there, with capable NFL starters Geno Stone and Vonn Bell added to the mix but 2nd-year player Jordan Battle,. However, I’m going out on a limb and expect Battle to emerge with one of the full-time roles.
With Dax Hill switching over to cornerback, Battle’s safety counterpart from last season will be moving to the outside corner, alleviating some of the congestion at the position. However, Battle still needs to surpass at least one more safety on the roster to ensure this breakout season.
Jordan Battle was the highest-graded safety in the league would be crucial, especially when it comes to overtaking Bell, who has never reached that level of performance in his eight-year career and is coming off an underwhelming season in Carolina. Battle still doesn’t have the NFL experience of someone like Bell, which could be a significant factor for the coaching staff in deciding playing time. However, based on talent and his potential to be the future of the safety room in Cincinnati, Battle should be given a fair shot at this starting job. Winning it could lead to a big-time IDP season.
My take: Stash Jordan Battle on your Taxi Dynasty squads, he’ll eventually take over, but it won’t be overnight.
Kansas City Chiefs
Safety – Bryan Cook vs. Jaden Hicks (rookie)
Rookie Jaden Hicks was a fourth-round steal at pick #133. Getting great reviews, Hicks profiles as a versatile player, which is great news for him getting on the field. Early off-season reports show the Chiefs plan to play him all over the field. With Justin Reid locking down one side of the field, this could mean Hicks vs. Bryan Cook is shaping to be a possibility. In this case, the advantage would go to the rookie.
My take: Jaden Hicks should win this in the pre-season.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Safety – Andre Cisco vs. Antonio Johnson vs. Andrew Wingard
https://x.com/IDPHunter/status/1814810778869842259
While cornerback is a mess, this leads me to believe that Darnell Savage will be asked to play Nickelback or one of the corner roles. Still, there are three safeties to try to figure out here. Jaguars have three guys who show promise at Safety and can log significant snaps at safety. Likely all three could play. Here is the tale of the tape when evaluating these camp battles.
Andre Cisco
Games Played: 47 across three seasons with Jacksonville.
Stats: 110 solo tackles, 51 tackle assists, 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, seven interceptions, 17 passes broken up.
Antonio Johnson
Games Played: 13 in his rookie year.
Age: 22 turns 23 this season.
Stats: 17 total tackles, one forced fumble, one sack, two interceptions.
Notes: At Texas A&M, earning spots on the 2021 All-SEC First Team and the 2022 All-SEC Second Team.
Andrew Wingard
Age: 27 (28 in December).
Games Played: 78 across five seasons in Jacksonville.
Stats: In 2023, 45 tackles, one forced fumble, one interception, two passes defended.
Notes: Wingard, known for his standout performance in the Steelers game, is a reliable player when called upon. Contributing on both special teams and defense, Wingard offers good range and has proven to be a ballhawk in the right situations. I believe his spotty statistics leads him to be the odd man out and come from the bench.
My take- As mentioned If Savage plays CB or nickel, Antonio Johnson will be given a huge pathway, as he can play both in the box and deep, making him a good partner for Cisco. Wingard is getting older, and still has gas left will come off the bench and play in passing situations.
Honorable Mention: Philadelphia Eagles cornerbacks
Cornerback – Darius Slay vs. Quinyon Mitchell vs. James Bradberry vs. Cooper DeJean
Last year, the Eagles’ defense was terrible on the back seven, something the experienced defensive line could not help. An overhaul was needed especially at cornerback, where the Eagles were playing two thirty-year-olds.
The Eagles drafted two of the top talents in this draft class at cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell can play both outside cornerbacks and slide into the nickel role. Cooper DeJean is versatile enough to play cornerback, slot, and safety, and he excels in the return game. But what does that mean for newly acquired Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and also veteran Darius Slay?
My take: I see the Eagles doing what is best for the team, and that means moving Gardner-Johnson to a safety role (he could play both positions) to pair up with Redd Blankenship. Quinyon Mitchell profiles as an outside cornerback, which would help out Slay on the other side. DeJean excels as a slot corner and it looks like he will fall into that role. Landing spots is the key and it looks like many of the rookies on this list found a path.
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