It's not just NFL rookie Billy Bowman Jr., but could even be NFL starter Billy Bowman Jr.
After being a four-year starter at safety for the Oklahoma Sooners, Bowman is now reportedly getting a look to start early during the Atlanta Falcons' training camp. Multiple reporters at practice on Tuesday said that Bowman got first-team reps during the 11-on-11 portion of the Falcons' practice.
Bowman has reportedly earned first-team reps already as rookie
ESPN's Dan Graziano had reported earlier this week after visiting the Falcons' training camp that Bowman was expected to get time in a nickel cornerback role.
"His performance this offseason has them excited about the kind of impact player he can become in the pros," Graziano wrote.
Graziano had visited the Falcons' training camp on July 26, so Bowman has apparently done a lot of showing off in the almost two weeks since to go from possible playing time to first-team reps, according to the new reports. Bowman will still need to beat out Dee Alford for the starting nickel corner job, though.
The Falcons just drafted Bowman in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He and former teammate Danny Stutsman were the only Sooners drafted and both went in the fourth round, with Stutsman going to the New Orleans Saints.
Like he's doing in Atlanta now, Bowman also earned seven starts during his first year at OU before becoming a staple on the defense. He finished his career with 47 games and 41 starts. He tallied 199 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 11 interceptions, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 14 pass breakups during his college career.
The Falcons' first preseason game will be against the Detroit Lions at 6 p.m. CT Friday for Bowman's first game action in the NFL and his first live chance to show what he can do at this level.
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