Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts has quickly established himself as one of the premier safeties in this year’s NFL Draft class, and his journey from wide receiver to top defensive back is nothing short of remarkable. With just two full seasons at safety, Watts has already proven that he possesses the instincts, athleticism, and playmaking ability that NFL teams crave in the secondary.
From Wideout to Ballhawk
Watts initially joined Notre Dame as a wide receiver, but his move to safety showcased his versatility and football IQ. Despite being relatively new to the position, he has developed into one of the nation’s most impactful defensive players. His ability to read the field and react to plays with precision reflects his natural aptitude and understanding of the game.
As a junior, Watts caught national attention by recording seven interceptions and forcing a fumble. This breakout season placed him firmly on the radar of NFL scouts, setting the stage for an even more dominant senior campaign.
This past season, Watts led all safeties in the nation with six interceptions, further solidifying his reputation as a ballhawk. He also added a forced fumble and eight pass deflections, demonstrating his knack for creating turnovers and disrupting passing lanes.
His coverage skills are complemented by his physicality, as Watts isn’t afraid to deliver emphatic tackles or mix it up in the run game. His ability to impact both the pass and run makes him a versatile safetey in this draft class.
What the Tape Shows
Watts’ tape is a testament to his instincts and athleticism. He reads and reacts to plays with the precision of a veteran safety, often anticipating routes and quarterback tendencies before they develop. His ability to cover ground quickly allows him to make plays deep in coverage or step up to disrupt shorter passing routes.
Beyond his coverage, Watts is a physical and reliable tackler. He consistently wraps up opponents and doesn’t shy away from contact, bringing a level of physicality that energizes his team. His tackling mechanics could use minor refinement, but his aggressive mindset and willingness to engage are traits that coaches can build upon.
One of Watts’ most appealing attributes is his versatility. He has shown the ability to line up in multiple defensive roles, from deep safety to the box and even occasionally covering slot receivers. This positional flexibility, paired with his high football IQ, makes him a valuable chess piece for defensive coordinators at the next level.
His background as a wide receiver gives him an edge in understanding route concepts and quarterback tendencies, which translates to his ability to anticipate and make plays on the ball.
Draft Outlook
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has spoken glowingly about Watts’ leadership and tireless work ethic. These intangibles, combined with his on-field production, make him a player that NFL coaches will trust to anchor their secondary.
Watts has all the tools to be one of the first safeties off the board in this year’s NFL Draft. His rare combination of playmaking ability, athleticism, and football intelligence makes him a standout in a class that values versatility and impact players.
With his production and rapid development as a safety, Watts projects as a Day 2 pick with the potential to start early in his NFL career. Teams looking for a dynamic presence in the secondary who can create turnovers and bring energy to their defense should have Xavier Watts high on their draft boards.
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