The Atlanta Falcons have announced the signing of three of their draft picks to rookie contracts. Safety Xavier Watts, defensive back Billy Bowman Jr., and offensive tackle Jack Nelson signed their deals as they joined the team at the Flowery Branch practice facility for a three-day rookie minicamp starting Friday.
Xavier Watts, selected in the third round with the 96th pick, has an estimated rookie contract valued at $6.19 million, according to OverTheCap.com. His cap number will start at $1.12 million in 2025 and peak at $1.97 million in 2028. Watts, a former University of Notre Dame player, had notable stats in 2024 with 82 tackles and six interceptions. General Manager Terry Fontenot praised Watts for his “outstanding character” and “high-end instincts,” while Head Coach Raheem Morris highlighted his “ball skills and ball awareness.”
Billy Bowman Jr., picked in the fourth round with the 118th selection, has a contract estimated at $5.19 million. His cap number is set to begin at $1.09 million in 2025, reaching up to $1.48 million by 2028. The University of Oklahoma alumnus recorded 54 tackles and two interceptions last year. Fontenot commended Bowman’s athleticism and versatility, stating that he takes the ball away at a high rate.
Jack Nelson was chosen in the seventh round with pick number 218 and has an estimated deal worth $4.35 million, starting with a cap number of $878,154 in 2025 that could rise to $1.27 million by 2028. A product of the University of Wisconsin, Nelson started all games at left tackle last season and received All-Big Ten honorable mentions multiple times during his college career.
The Falcons are yet to finalize contracts with edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr.
