'The Game is Changing': How Falcons DB DeMarcco Hellams Fits in Atlanta

Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith has spoken at length about playing "positionless" football offensively - and his team's defense is trying to follow a similar approach.

In the modern NFL, defenses are as spaced out and defensive back-heavy as ever, making the need for versatile athletes paramount on the backend.

Enter former Alabama safety and Falcons seventh-round pick DeMarcco Hellams.

The first word out of Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot's mouth post-draft when discussing Hellams was "versatile," noting he can play both down in the box and deep, along with bringing special teams value.

Versatility is an important attribute for Hellams - players drafted in Round 7 are often far from guaranteed to make the team, but having the ability to fill multiple spots and do various things only helps improve the odds of being on the 53-man roster.

So, where will Hellams find a home in Atlanta's defense? In his words, the answer is rather straightforward.

"Wherever I'm needed," Hellams said. "That's what makes me the player that I am - I'm open to learning, I'm open to doing whatever for the team, doing whatever the coaches need me to do.

"At the end of the day, the most important thing is being on the field. So, whichever way I can get on the field, I'm open to that."

In some cases, such a cliche isn't overly applicable, as players simply don't have the skill set or experience to play in several different spots.

But Hellams comes with a track record of playing all over the field under coach Nick Saban at Alabama, where he led the team in tackles with 108 last season.

According to Pro Football Focus, Hellams played 535 snaps at free safety (188 of which were shaded to the hash in two-high looks), 206 snaps in the box and 151 snaps at nickel corner, with a couple of others coming at the line of scrimmage and outside corner in addition to his work on special teams.

Thus, playing wherever he's needed isn't just talk - there's legitimate reason to believe he can do exactly that. Throw in Hellams' tutelage from Saban, a former defensive back in his own right, and there's particular intrigue despite his standing as the draft's No. 224 overall pick.

While at Alabama, Hellams said he learned maturity and understanding how to be ready for the moment, citing Saban as a "key cornerstone" for his development as both a person and football player.

The 6-1, 208-pound Hellams arrived as a four-star recruit who'd performed at a high level on both sides of the ball at DeMatha Catholic High School, just outside of Washington, D.C., where he won Washington Post Metro Offensive Player of the Year after catching 21 touchdown passes ... all the while recording 12 interceptions as a defensive back.

In essence, Hellams has always been versatile and willing to do whatever's necessary. Perhaps more importantly, the 22-year-old has always thrived in multiple roles - and believes he can continue doing that in Atlanta.

"I feel like my game matches whatever's needed," Hellams said. "If you need a hard-hitting safety that can play in the box, I can do that. If you need a safety over the top, I can do that. I definitely feel like the game is changing, but that's where players like me come into play, guys that can do a lot of things."

So, do the Falcons need help on special teams coverage? What about covering tight ends in the slot? Or adding another body into the box to defend the run? 

Of course, there are roadblocks for Hellams, including three safeties - Jessie Bates III, Richie Grant and Jaylinn Hawkins - all being firmly above him on the depth chart and his largely average athletic profile.

But if the answer to those questions, at any point this coming season, is "yes" - Hellams is ready.

Better yet, he's not just ready to play ... he's ready to make his mark, much as he has at each of his previous stops.