Atlanta Falcons Draft Billy Bowman Jr.: A Versatile Weapon Set to Transform Jeff Ulbrich’s Defensive Scheme
The Atlanta Falcons made a strategic move in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Oklahoma defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. with the 118th overall pick in the fourth round. While Bowman carved out an impressive collegiate career as a safety, Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has bigger plans for the versatile prospect, envisioning a multifaceted role that could reshape the team’s secondary. With a combination of athleticism, instincts, and adaptability, Bowman is poised to become a key piece in Ulbrich’s evolving defensive scheme.
A Standout at Oklahoma
During his three-year tenure at Oklahoma, Bowman established himself as one of the premier defensive backs in college football. His ball-hawking ability was on full display, as he recorded 11 interceptions, including three returned for touchdowns, showcasing his knack for making game-changing plays. At 5-foot-10 and 192 pounds, Bowman’s compact frame didn’t hinder his impact, as he consistently demonstrated quickness, physicality, and a high football IQ.
However, his smaller stature and shorter arm length raised questions about his ideal fit in the NFL. While he thrived as a safety in college, some scouts projected him as a slot corner or nickel back at the professional level, where his agility and coverage skills could shine against smaller, quicker receivers. The Falcons, under Ulbrich’s guidance, saw an opportunity to capitalize on Bowman’s unique skill set, drafting him with a vision that extends beyond the traditional safety role.
Ulbrich’s Vision: Nickel and Beyond
Jeff Ulbrich, known for his innovative approach to defensive schemes, wasted no time outlining his plans for Bowman. Unlike many rookies who are pigeonholed into a single position, Bowman is being groomed for a hybrid role, with an initial focus on the nickel cornerback position. Ulbrich believes Bowman’s short-space quickness, lateral agility, and ability to mirror slot receivers make him a natural fit for the slot, where he can disrupt passing attacks and contribute in run support.
“Billy’s got that twitch and feel in tight spaces that you want in a nickel,” Ulbrich said in a recent press conference. “His ability to change direction and stay with guys in the slot is special. We think that’s where he can make an immediate impact.”
The decision to deploy Bowman at nickel is also pragmatic. At his size, matching up against larger tight ends or deep-ball threats as a safety could be challenging in the NFL. By moving him to the slot, the Falcons can maximize his strengths while minimizing potential mismatches. However, Ulbrich’s plans don’t stop there. He sees Bowman as a Swiss Army knife in the secondary, capable of filling multiple roles depending on the situation.
A Backup Plan with Starter Potential
While the nickel role is Bowman’s primary focus, Ulbrich has made it clear that the rookie’s versatility will be a cornerstone of his development. Bowman is expected to serve as a backup safety behind All-Pro Jessie Bates III and third-round pick Xavier Watts, providing depth in a critical area of the defense. Additionally, Ulbrich envisions Bowman contributing in dime packages as a sixth defensive back, where his coverage skills and instincts can help counter pass-heavy offenses.
“Billy’s not just a one-trick pony,” Ulbrich noted. “He can play nickel, he can slide back to safety, and he can be that extra guy in dime looks. If we get injuries—and you know they happen—he’s our next man up. That’s why we were so excited to get him.”
Bowman’s ability to wear multiple hats aligns perfectly with Ulbrich’s philosophy of building a “multiple” defense—one that can adapt to the diverse offensive schemes in today’s NFL. Whether it’s matching up against a shifty slot receiver, dropping into zone coverage, or blitzing from the nickel spot, Bowman’s skill set gives the Falcons flexibility to adjust their game plan week to week.
The Depth Chart and Immediate Opportunities
As training camp approaches, Bowman finds himself slotted behind Dee Alford on the nickel depth chart, with A.J. Terrell and Mike Hughes projected as the starting outside cornerbacks. While Alford is the incumbent, Bowman’s potential could see him carve out a significant role early in his rookie season, especially in sub-packages where the Falcons deploy five or six defensive backs.
The Falcons’ secondary is already a strength, with Bates leading the unit and Terrell emerging as one of the league’s top shutdown corners. However, injuries and the increasing reliance on nickel and dime formations mean Bowman will likely see the field sooner rather than later. His ability to learn the playbook and adapt to Ulbrich’s complex schemes will be critical to earning playing time.
A Draft Steal?
Ulbrich’s enthusiasm for Bowman was palpable when discussing the draft process. He revealed that the Falcons’ coaching staff and front office were prepared to trade up to secure the Oklahoma standout, not expecting him to be available in the fourth round. “I was bugging our GM to move up because I didn’t think Billy would be there at 118,” Ulbrich admitted. “When he was, it felt like we hit the jackpot.”
The Falcons’ decision to draft Bowman reflects their confidence in his ability to contribute immediately while developing into a long-term asset. His combination of production, versatility, and untapped potential made him a high-value pick, even in a draft class loaded with defensive back talent.
Fitting into the Falcons’ Defensive Identity
Ulbrich’s defensive philosophy emphasizes speed, physicality, and adaptability, and Bowman checks all those boxes. The Falcons have steadily built a defense capable of competing with the NFL’s high-powered offenses, and Bowman’s addition enhances their ability to match up against diverse skill sets. Whether it’s covering a quick slot receiver like CeeDee Lamb or helping in run support against a physical offense like the Philadelphia Eagles, Bowman’s skill set gives Ulbrich another weapon to deploy.
Moreover, Bowman’s competitive mindset and work ethic have already earned him praise from teammates and coaches. Jessie Bates, a vocal leader in the secondary, has taken Bowman under his wing, mentoring him on the nuances of NFL coverage and film study. “He’s a sponge,” Bates said of Bowman. “You can see he wants to be great, and he’s got the talent to back it up.”
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Billy Bowman Jr. to see how quickly he can translate his college success to the NFL. If Ulbrich’s vision comes to fruition, Bowman could emerge as one of the steals of the draft, providing the Falcons with a dynamic playmaker in the secondary. His journey from college safety to NFL nickel back—and potentially beyond—will be a fascinating storyline to follow.
For now, Bowman is focused on earning his place in a talented defensive unit. With Ulbrich’s creative scheming and a clear path to playing time, the fourth-round pick has a golden opportunity to make an immediate impact. As the Falcons aim to solidify their defense and make a playoff push, Billy Bowman Jr. could be the versatile spark they need to take the next step.
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