Xavier Watts NFL Draft 2025 Scouting Report for Atlanta Falcons S

The Atlanta Falcons selected Notre Dame S Xavier Watts with the No. 96 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Xavier Watts is a high-motor safety who plays with intensity and physicality on every snap. His aggressive playstyle, combined with quick reactions and ability to stop ball carriers in their tracks, makes him an impactful defender. Watts has shown consistent effort and toughness, contributing both in coverage and against the run.

Watts exhibits a solid backpedal and quick footwork, allowing him to maintain cushion and leverage in coverage. He transitions well on short and intermediate routes but displays tightness in his midsection, limiting his change of direction and lateral quickness. While he has good control, his awareness in zone coverage is average, sometimes leaving him covering space rather than immediate threats.

Xavier Watts Highlights

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Watts shines as a run defender. He triggers quickly, aggressively coming downhill to the ball, and tackles with physicality. His ability to stop ball carriers with minimal yards after contact is notable. However, his lack of elite speed may lead to overextension on the edge, limiting his effectiveness when running the alley.

Xavier Watts projects as a late first-round pick with the potential to be a year-one starter. His toughness and aggressiveness make him an ideal fit for teams looking for a physical safety who can play close to the line of scrimmage. If he can improve his change of direction and awareness in coverage, Watts has the potential to develop into a versatile and reliable safety.

MEASUREMENTS

HEIGHT: 6'0"

WEIGHT: 203

POSITIVES

— High motor player who plays every snap at full speed and maximum intensity.

— Good backpedal and quick feet to keep cushion and leverage. Displays control with quick transitions on intermediate and short routes.

— Triggers quickly to the run, screaming downhill to the ball. See ball, get ball.

— Physical tackler who runs through the point of attack, fronts up ball carriers and stops momentum.

NEGATIVES

— Shows some tightness in his midsection, paired with subpar change of direction and lateral movement skills.

— Can get over-extended with speed on the edge. Lacks the desired speed to run the alley.

— Average awareness for threats in his zone, can ultimately lead to him covering space at times.

NOTES

— Born Nov. 22, 2001

— 4-star recruit in the 2020 class, per 247Sports

— 2023: Bronko Nagurski Trophy; Unanimous All-American

GRADE: 7.9 (Potential Impact Player — 2nd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 27

POSITION RANK: S2

PRO COMPARISON: Landon Collins

Written by B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings