The safety position in the NFL is a complex position to play. You have to be able to help in the run game, while also being able to help in the passing game and cover tight ends and running backs, who are becoming more and more athletic with each passing season.
When you’re able to get a guy who is an amazing athlete (amazing enough to play wide receiver), you now have a weapon to deploy in the defensive backfield to handle these elite pass catchers. Enter Xavier Watts. A 4 star wide receiver recruit from Omaha, Nebraska, Xavier converted to Safety in 2021 after injuries on the defensive front necessitated the move. In that same ‘21 season, Watts had 15 tackles in his first season at safety.
2022 saw him record 39 tackles, along with 3 pass deflections and 1 sack. 2023 saw his best year yet, with 52 tackles, 4 passes knocked down, 1 forced fumble, and 7 interceptions, showing a major knack for being around the ball. Being a converted wide receiver, Watts has a nose for being around the ball and his route recognition allow him to get inside the mind of the opposing receiver, increasing the ease of forcing a turnover. His increasing production has scouts (including myself) wondering how great he can actually be at the next level.
Player Info
Name: Xavier Watts
Jersey: No. 0
Position: Safety
School: Notre Dame
Class: Senior
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 204 lbs.
Xavier Watts’ Strengths
It was mentioned earlier in the report, but Xavier has a ball hawk mentality and excellent instincts in coverage, which lead to 7 interceptions in 2023. Those excellent instincts also are a byproduct of his strong football IQ, which also leads itself to how he was able to easily convert from offense to defense, and rapidly improve year over year.
He also is a physical tackler, showing a willingness to tackle and punish any receiver who even thinks about catching a pass over the middle. He also shows a solid athletic profile, including speed needed to cover the deeper routes on defense. He also showed a clutch gene, putting up some of his best performances against some of the better offenses in college football.
Xavier Watts’ Weaknesses
Xavier’s biggest weakness is that he is still learning the nuances of the position, and his limited experience can still show in certain positions on the field. One of those positions is in man coverage, as his technique could use some refinement to handle more polished route runners in the NFL.
He could also stand to improve his consistency as a tackler and in his technique tackling, as his over aggression could lead to missed tackles in space, especially versus some of the shiftier players at the next level.
Draft Projection
Xavier profiles as my top safety in this class, and I have a early 2nd round grade on him, with the chance to slip into round 1, dependent on the right team selecting him and that team willing to be patient with his development. Some of my favorite fits for Xavier:
- Indianapolis Colts (putting Watts on a 2 hour drive south to Indianapolis is an amazing fit, especially as he further develops into being a leader in Bradley’s defensive backfield.)
- Buffalo Bills (Watts being able to develop behind veteran guys like Hyde and Poyer or eventually replace them in McDermott’s scheme is an excellent fit, and the rich would get richer in Buffalo.)
- Denver Broncos (Allowing Watts to come into Denver and develop a nasty defensive backfield alongside Patrick Surtain the 2nd would make every other AFC West quarterback shiver anytime they’d attempt a pass over the middle.)
Any team that selects Xavier has to be patient in his development, as he’s still growing into a budding star. Give him the time and support he needs to grow into the safety position and you’ll see an elite star defender by the end of his rookie deal.
My comparison for Xavier Watts: Ronnie Hickman, S, Cleveland Browns
