Talk about making an impact in your NFL debut.
The Atlanta Falcons are kicking off preseason against the Miami Dolphins, and the defense was taking gash after gash from the opposing offense all the way into the red zone.
However, on a play-action pass with Mike White looking for the game-opening touchdown, seventh-round rookie Demarcco Hellams came in to save the day.
Here's a look at the play ...
Hellams was taken with the No. 224 pick in the NFL Draft after four seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
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.
The Falcons and Dolphins are tied midway through the first quarter.
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