The Atlanta Falcons missed the playoffs last season, but they clearly got the most out of their 2025 draft class. While Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr. and Xavier Watts received most of the credit, fourth-round pick Billy Bowman Jr. also won a starting job in training camp.
Bowman recorded 26 tackles (15 solo), 1.5 sacks and one interception over six games at the nickel before tearing his Achilles in practice. The former Oklahoma Sooner will look to pick up where he left off next season. According to Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski, Bowman is progressing well.
“You’ll see him out there going through walk-throughs, off to the side. But he’s doing really well,” Stefanski told reporters ahead of Tuesday’s OTA session.
The Falcons signed veteran nickel Darnay Holmes in free agency and later selected cornerback Avieon Terrell in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Both players are capable of starting at the nickel for Atlanta this season, assuming Bowman isn’t healthy by Week 1.
It will be interesting to see where Terrell lines up this season. While the former Clemson standout played mostly on the outside in college, many project him for the slot in the NFL due to his size.
Check out the team’s projected starting lineups in our latest Falcons depth chart for 2026.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Latest on Billy Bowman Jr. injury