Xavier Watts is the kind of player who makes opposing quarterbacks wake up in a cold sweat. Honestly, if you watched him at Notre Dame, you saw a guy who wasn't just playing safety; he was basically conducting a masterclass in thievery. He didn't just stumble into the Bronko Nagurski Trophy in 2023. He took it by force, leading the nation with seven interceptions and becoming a magnet for the football.
The Atlanta Falcons clearly saw the same thing. They traded up five spots in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft to grab him at No. 96, and if his early pro production is any indicator, the rest of the league messed up. Big time.
This Xavier Watts scouting report digs into why he’s more than just a stats-sheet stuffer and why his "lack of elite speed" is a total red herring.
The Instincts are Preternatural
Most scouts get hung up on the 40-yard dash. They see a 4.50 or a 4.53 and start whispering about "limited range." But here’s the thing: Watts plays faster than his stopwatch time. It’s about the eyes.
He was a four-star wide receiver recruit coming out of Omaha Burke High School. You can still see that offensive DNA when he’s patrolling the back end. He doesn't just react to the ball; he anticipates the break before the receiver even plants his foot. In 2023, he famously tortured Caleb Williams and USC, snagging two interceptions and a fumble recovery in a single night.
He treats every pass like it was intended for him. That's not just talent; that's film study.
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Versatility That Actually Works
Don't box him in as just a "centerfield" safety. While he shines in single-high looks because he can read a quarterback’s intentions from a mile away, the Irish used him everywhere.
- Box Safety: He’s surprisingly physical for 204 pounds. He’ll come downhill and stick a running back in the gap without hesitating.
- Nickel/Slot: He can hold his own against tight ends. He might struggle with the twitchiest, 175-pound slot receivers, but against a big-bodied Y-receiver, he’s a nightmare.
- The "Robber" Role: This is where he’s most dangerous. Letting him roam the intermediate middle allows him to bait quarterbacks into throws they think are open.
What Scared Some Teams Off
No report is honest without the "red flags." For Watts, the concerns were mostly about his "ceiling." Some evaluators felt he was an overachiever who benefited from a stacked Notre Dame defense.
There’s also the tackling discipline. Occasionally, Watts gets a bit too "hero mode." He’ll take a bad angle because he’s trying to beat the ball carrier to a spot, or he’ll go for the big hit rather than the wrap-up. In the NFL, that leads to 50-yard touchdowns.
He also isn't the most fluid athlete in the world. His hips can be a little stiff when he has to transition from a backpedal to a full-on sprint against a vertical burner. If he gets caught flat-footed against a Tyreek Hill type, it’s over.
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The Falcons Fit
Atlanta pairing him with Jessie Bates III is basically a cheat code for a defensive coordinator. You have two of the highest-IQ safeties in the game. It allows the Falcons to disguise coverages late into the play clock because both guys can switch roles seamlessly.
In his first few NFL games, Watts has already been a tackle machine and even snagged a couple of picks. It turns out that "ballhawk" isn't just a college nickname; it's a lifestyle.
Summary of Key Traits
Strengths
Watts has elite ball skills and soft hands. Since he used to be a receiver, he knows how to high-point the ball better than most defenders. His football IQ is basically off the charts—he’s rarely out of position. He’s also a two-time team captain, which speaks to the leadership he brings to a locker room.
Weaknesses
He doesn't have that "recovery speed" to make up for a mistake. If he’s wrong about a read, he can't just outrun the error. His tackling in open space can be a bit hit-or-miss, literally. He needs to be more consistent with his pursuit angles to avoid getting washed out by shifty runners.
Why This Matters Now
If you are an NFL fan or a fantasy manager in an IDP (Individual Defensive Player) league, you need to be watching his snap counts. He is proving that instincts beat raw athleticism nine times out of ten.
He finished his Notre Dame career with 13 interceptions. That's not luck. That's a guy who understands the geometry of a football field.
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What to watch for next:
Keep an eye on how the Falcons use him in "big nickel" packages. As he gets more comfortable with the speed of the NFL, expect his interception numbers to climb. He’s currently a frontrunner for Defensive Rookie of the Year discussions because he’s always around the football. If you're evaluating safeties in future drafts, use Watts as the gold standard for "high floor" prospects.