Xavier Watts is a dynamic safety who played for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish before entering the 2025 NFL Draft. Originally recruited as a wide receiver, Watts transitioned to safety during the 2021 season and quickly became one of the nation's premier defensive backs. In the 2024 season, he recorded five interceptions, ranking third nationally, and contributed 49 tackles and nine pass breakups. His 12 career interceptions are the most by a Notre Dame player since 1996 . Watts earned first-team All-American honors from the Associated Press, The Athletic, and the American Football Coaches Association, marking the second consecutive year he received such accolades.
Following his standout college career, Watts was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round (96th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft. Scouting reports highlight his elite ball skills, football IQ, and off-the-charts athleticism, making him a potential impact starter in the NFL . While his run defense and tackling technique have been areas for improvement, his playmaking ability and leadership are expected to bolster the Falcons' secondary as they continue their defensive rebuild.
