Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III has secured a spot on the NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2025 list, coming in at No. 92. The announcement was made by the league on Friday.
Last season, Bates achieved 102 tackles, including 62 solo tackles. He was notable for being the only player to record four interceptions and four forced fumbles, showcasing his playmaking abilities. His stats also included a sack, a pick-six, and a fumble recovery.
Bates ranked fourth among players with at least 500 coverage snaps in air yards per target with an average of 7.6 and fifth in yards after catch per reception with an average of 2.9.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris praised Bates for his preparation and presence both on and off the field. “He’s a different kind of guy,” Morris said. “His ability to lock in and just be present at all times… He’s a little bit different player when it comes to those things at a high level.”
Having joined the Falcons in 2023 from the Cincinnati Bengals, Bates has quickly become a key player for the team. He earned his first Pro Bowl bid after his debut season with Atlanta.
Falcons assistant head coach/defense Jerry Gray emphasized Bates’ leadership qualities: “When Jessie first got here, he was real quiet… And what happens is, most good leaders are not boastful about it… They go out there and they do their job at a high level.”
Bates himself highlighted his focus on team success over individual accolades: “My goal is to be the best leader on this team… Everybody in this building should want to be an All-Pro, Pro Bowler… but I think the team goal means a little bit more.”
In 2024, four Falcons players made it onto the NFL’s Top 100 Players list: Chris Lindstrom (No. 88), Kirk Cousins (No. 81), Bates (No. 74), and Justin Simmons (No. 57). The announcements for remaining players will continue daily by @NFL on X/Twitter.
