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Xavier Watts Scouting Report
By Charlie Campbell
Strengths:
- Excellent instincts
- Knack for making big plays
- Excellent ball skills
- Very good anticiapation
- Exemplary route recognition
- Threat to make game-changing plays
- Covers a lot of ground
- Good size
- Size to take on big receiver
- Good height, length
- Willing to tackle
- Will come downhill
- Can be the eighth man in the box
- Good hands catcher
- Intelliganet
- Character, leadership
- Ready to contribute immediately
- Experienced and successful against good college programs
Weaknesses:
- Not a gifted athlete
- Inconsistent tackler
Prospect Summary:
After getting acclimated in 2022 with 39 tackles, Watts really took off as a junior in 2023 when he was a dangerous ball hawk for the Fighting Irish. He had seven interceptions with four passes broken up and 52 tackles. In 2024, Watts continued to produce big plays, helping get the Fighting Irish into the National Championship. He totaled 83 tackles with six interceptions, nine passes broken up, and a forced fumble. Watts was a tremendous playmaker that made a number of clutch, game-changing plays.
The trait that really stands out the most about Watts is his superb instincts. Watts seems to be a step ahead of the offense on many plays, with excellent anticipation and route recognition. Watts is a true ballhawk with his ability to undercut passing lanes and pick the ball off. He has soft hands and is a dangerous defender to test in coverage. Watts is superb in zone coverage as the deep free safety or playing in the intermediate part of the field. Watts is a true ballhawk who could produce significant interception totals on a consistent basis.
For the NFL, Watts is a versatile safety who can play free or strong safety. He is a willing tackler in run support, as he will come downhill. Watts is inconsistent in his tackling, and that could stand to improve for the NFL. Watts is not a super-gifted athlete, so he may not be a great fit to play man coverage on slot receivers or twitchy tight ends.
Team sources believe Watts will be an early day-two pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. They feel that he will be a quality starter during his pro career.
Prospect Comparison:
Kerby Joseph. Watts reminds me of Joseph. Both have limitations in terms of speed, athleticism, and inconsistent tackling, but they are super instinctive ballhawks. They are reliable deep-free safeties that are dangerous to throw near with their knack for picking off passes. Joseph has been a mega steal for the Lions, and I think Watts could be a similar day-two steal in 2025.
RELATED LINKS:
2025 NFL Mock Draft - March 4
2026 NFL Mock Draft - Feb. 19
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 13
NFL Picks - Feb. 9
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
