Xavier Watts has emerged as one of the most compelling stories in college football over the past few years, transitioning from a wide receiver recruit to a unanimous All-American safety and now a professional football player with the Atlanta Falcons. His journey, marked by versatility, resilience, and an uncanny knack for creating turnovers, has captured the attention of fans, analysts, and NFL scouts alike. This article delves into Watts’ background, his remarkable college career at Notre Dame, his transition to the NFL, and addresses the questions people are asking about him online, drawing from the latest available information.
Early Life and High School Career
Xavier Watts was born on November 22, 2001, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, where he attended Omaha Burke High School. From an early age, Watts displayed athletic prowess that set him apart. As a high school athlete, he was a two-way star, excelling both as a wide receiver and a defensive back. His high school stats are staggering: he recorded 163 receptions for 2,978 yards and 36 touchdowns on offense, while also contributing 88 rushing yards and a touchdown. On defense, he amassed 136 tackles (7.5 for loss), 13 pass deflections, nine interceptions, and a defensive touchdown.
Rated as the number two recruit in Nebraska for the class of 2019, Watts was a highly sought-after prospect. His versatility and athleticism drew attention from several top college programs, but he ultimately committed to the University of Notre Dame, initially as a wide receiver. His decision to join the Fighting Irish marked the beginning of a transformative journey that would redefine his football career.
Freshman Year and Redshirt Season (2019-2020)
As a freshman, Watts saw limited action, appearing in just two games during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season and recording no statistics. He was given a redshirt year, preserving his eligibility while he adjusted to the demands of college football. During this time, he focused on learning the wide receiver position, but injuries to Notre Dame’s linebacker corps in 2021 would soon change his trajectory.
Transition to Defense (2021)
In 2021, injuries at linebacker prompted Notre Dame’s coaching staff to experiment with Watts on defense. He began playing the “rover” position, a hybrid role combining safety and linebacker responsibilities. His first defensive contribution came against Virginia Tech, where he recorded three tackles in a 32–29 win. Later that season, when star safety Kyle Hamilton suffered a knee injury, Watts saw time at strong safety. Over 11 games, he tallied 15 tackles (11 solo), showing promise despite his inexperience.
This transition was a defining moment for Watts. His background as a receiver gave him a unique perspective, allowing him to read routes and anticipate plays in ways that lifelong defensive players might not. His athleticism and willingness to adapt laid the foundation for his future success.
Breakout as a Safety (2022)
By 2022, Watts had fully transitioned to safety, serving as a backup to Brandon Joseph. He played in all 13 games, starting four, and showed significant growth. His standout performances included a career-high seven tackles against Stanford, eight against Navy (his first start), and nine against USC. He finished the season with 39 tackles (24 solo) and four pass deflections, establishing himself as a key piece of Notre Dame’s secondary.
Unanimous All-American and Nagurski Trophy (2023)
The 2023 season was a coming-out party for Watts. He exploded onto the national scene, leading the NCAA with seven interceptions and earning the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s top defensive player. His signature performance came against USC on October 14, when he intercepted Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams twice, forced a fumble, recovered a fumble, and scored a defensive touchdown in a 48–20 upset of the No. 10 Trojans.
Watts finished the season with 47 tackles (28 solo), 2.5 tackles for loss, four pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a defensive touchdown. His seven interceptions tied him for the most by a Notre Dame player in a single season since 1989, placing him in elite company alongside legends like Todd Lyght and Shane Walton. His performance earned him unanimous All-American honors, a rare feat for a player who had only recently converted to defense.
Consensus All-American and Team Captain (2024)
Returning for his fifth year in 2024, Watts was named a team captain and preseason All-American by multiple outlets, including the Associated Press and ESPN. He continued his dominance, recording six interceptions (second in the nation) and contributing to Notre Dame’s nation-leading 33 turnovers gained. Notable moments included a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown against USC, breaking a school record set just minutes earlier by teammate Christian Gray, and a critical interception against Texas A&M in the season opener.
Watts started all 33 games from 2022 to 2024, ranking ninth among active FBS players in consecutive starts in the secondary. His 13 career interceptions (seven in 2023, six in 2024) were the most by any FBS player over that span and tied him for third in Notre Dame history. He earned consensus All-American honors in 2024, becoming one of only 17 Irish players to achieve this status twice and the first since 1993.
His 2024 accolades included Notre Dame’s Defensive Player of the Year award and semifinalist nominations for the Walter Camp Player of the Year, Bednarik Award, Jim Thorpe Award, and Lott IMPACT Trophy. Despite Notre Dame’s 34–23 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship, Watts’ impact was undeniable, with a tackle on quarterback Will Howard in the game showcasing his physicality.
NFL Draft and Professional Career
Watts’ college success made him a highly touted prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite not being an elite athlete in terms of raw speed or measurables, his instincts, versatility, and production made him a coveted pick. He opted to skip the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine workouts, choosing instead to showcase his skills at Notre Dame’s Pro Day in late March 2025.
Draft Selection by the Atlanta Falcons
On April 26, 2025, Watts was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 96th overall pick in the third round of the NFL Draft. His selection was celebrated by Falcons fans, with posts on X praising his elite instincts, ball-hawking ability, and fit in Atlanta’s defensive scheme. One fan highlighted his 13 interceptions, 18 pass deflections, and two defensive touchdowns, noting his ability to “own” quarterbacks like Caleb Williams.
Watts’ first interview as a Falcon, shared on X, showcased his excitement and gratitude for joining the team. His familiarity with defensive coordinator Al Golden, who had moved to the Cincinnati Bengals, was noted as a potential fit, but Atlanta’s selection secured his place in their secondary.
NFL Scouting Report and Projections
Scouting reports describe Watts as a versatile defender who can play single high, split safety, or in the box as a rover. His 86.6 rating by NFL Draft Buzz ranked him eighth among safeties, with a 40-yard dash time of 4.56 seconds. Analysts praise his ability to create turnovers (13 interceptions, 14 pass breakups in 2023-2024) and his mental game, comparing him to players like Antoine Winfield Jr. for his immediate impact potential.
However, some scouts questioned his tackling, with Pro Football Focus noting an 18.8% missed tackle rate in 2023, though he improved to 12.6% in 2024 (38th among FBS safeties with 700+ snaps). His aggressive angles and relative inexperience at safety were cited as areas for growth, but his rapid development suggests he’s far from his ceiling.
Watts is projected to compete for a starting role in Atlanta’s secondary, likely in a quarters-based coverage scheme that leverages his ability to read and react. His background as a receiver makes him adept at disguising coverages and baiting quarterbacks, a skill that could translate to early success in the NFL.
The Impact of Xavier Watts
Xavier Watts’ journey is a testament to adaptability, hard work, and the power of seizing opportunities. From a high school star in Nebraska to a two-time All-American at Notre Dame and now an NFL rookie with the Atlanta Falcons, Watts has defied expectations at every turn. His ability to transition from wide receiver to one of college football’s most feared defensive backs speaks to his intelligence, athleticism, and relentless drive.
In the NFL, Watts has the potential to become a game-changer, much like he was at Notre Dame. His knack for creating turnovers, combined with his versatility, makes him a valuable asset in a league where defensive playmakers are at a premium. As he embarks on his professional career, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if he can replicate his college success and cement his legacy as one of Notre Dame’s all-time greats.
FAQs
What is Xavier Watts’ background?
Watts attended Omaha Burke High School in Nebraska, where he excelled as a two-way player. As a wide receiver, he recorded 163 receptions for 2,978 yards and 36 touchdowns, and as a defensive back, he notched 136 tackles, 7.5 for loss, 13 pass deflections, nine interceptions, and one touchdown. Ranked as the No. 2 recruit in Nebraska for the 2019 class, he initially committed to Notre Dame as a wide receiver.
How did Xavier Watts transition from wide receiver to safety?
Watts arrived at Notre Dame in 2019 as a wide receiver but switched to defense in 2021 due to injuries in the linebacker corps. He played the “rover” position (a hybrid safety-linebacker role) and later moved to strong safety. His background as a receiver enhanced his ball skills, while his linebacker experience improved his tackling instincts, making him a versatile defensive back. By 2023, he emerged as one of college football’s top safeties.
What are Xavier Watts’ NFL Draft details?
Watts was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round (96th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Falcons traded up from No. 101, using a 2026 fifth-round pick, to secure him. His draft profile highlighted his ball-hawking ability, instincts, and versatility, with a 4.56-second 40-yard dash and an 86.6 rating, ranking him No. 8 among safeties.
What makes Xavier Watts stand out as a player?
Watts is known for his exceptional instincts, ball skills, and versatility. His 13 interceptions over two seasons led the FBS, and he allowed a passer rating of just 33.9 when targeted. His ability to read plays, honed by his offensive background, and his physicality make him a fit for NFL defenses using split-safety or quarters-based schemes. Scouts compare his potential impact to that of Antoine Winfield Jr.
How did Xavier Watts perform at the NFL Scouting Combine?
At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Watts showcased his athleticism and shared insights about his career. He discussed facing Penn State’s Tyler Warren in the 2024 Orange Bowl, noting how the matchup prepared him for NFL-level tight ends. He also expressed pride in representing Omaha, following in the footsteps of players like Noah Fant. His combine performance included a 4.56-second 40-yard dash, reinforcing his draft stock.
In Summary
Xavier Watts has quickly established himself as a standout talent, transitioning from a high school wide receiver to an elite NFL safety. His remarkable journey, marked by a record-setting college career at Notre Dame and a promising start with the Atlanta Falcons, showcases his adaptability, instincts, and relentless drive.
As a two-time All-American and Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner, Watts brings a unique blend of ball-hawking prowess and leadership to the professional stage. With his ability to create turnovers and represent his hometown of Omaha, Watts is poised to leave a lasting impact in the NFL, making him a player to watch in the 2025 season and beyond.
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