Xavier Watts: College | Draft Pick | High School | Stats | Age | Injury

Xavier Watts has rapidly emerged as one of the most intriguing young defensive backs in American football. From his stellar high school career to becoming a celebrated college safety at Notre Dame and finally being drafted into the NFL in 2025, Watts’ journey is a testament to skill, adaptability, and determination. This comprehensive article explores his background, achievements, stats, draft story, age, injury history, playing style, and what the future could hold for the Atlanta Falcons’ promising defensive talent.

Who is Xavier Watts?

Xavier Everett Carter Watts (born November 22, 2001) is an American professional football safety currently playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL. Drafted in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 96th overall pick, Watts is known for his ball-hawking skills, instincts, and football IQ. 

At 6 feet tall and around 203–205 pounds, he combines physicality with smart coverage ability, making him a rising star in the Falcons’ secondary. 

Early Life and High School Career

Xavier Watts was born in Omaha, Nebraska, where he grew up showcasing extraordinary athletic talent. 

High School Highlights

Watts attended Harry A. Burke High School in Omaha — a place where he excelled on both sides of the ball:

• Offense: He recorded 163 receptions for 2,978 yards and 36 touchdowns, showcasing reliable hands and route running. 

• Defense: On the other side, he notched 136 tackles, 13 pass deflections, nine interceptions, and even scored a defensive touchdown. 

Rated as one of the top recruits in Nebraska, he was ranked the #2 prospect in his state for the class of 2019. 

Recruiting and Position Shift

Originally recruited as a wide receiver, Watts committed to the University of Notre Dame, bringing versatility and athletic tools that coaches later tapped for defensive roles. 

College Career at Notre Dame

Watts’ college career is a story of evolution — from talented receiver to elite safety.

Transition to Safety

After arriving at Notre Dame in 2020, the coaching staff transitioned Watts to defensive back, a move that paid massive dividends. His experience as a receiver gave him a unique understanding of route concepts, which translated into exceptional interception instincts and coverage awareness.

Breakout Seasons

Watts quickly established himself as a defensive playmaker:

• 2023 Season: Watts led the entire nation in interceptions with seven picks and was awarded the Bronko Nagurski Trophy — presented to the nation’s best defensive player. He also earned unanimous All-American honors. 

• 2024 Season: He continued his elite play with six interceptions, becoming one of the most impactful safeties in college football and earning consensus All-American status for the second year. 

Leadership & Legacy

Watts displayed durability and leadership by starting over 30 consecutive games and serving as a team captain. Over his college career, he totaled impressive defensive statistics — including intercepting passes at a rate that made him one of Notre Dame’s most prolific defensive backs in history. 

2025 NFL Draft: How Watts Was Selected

Watts entered the 2025 NFL Draft with strong credentials and significant buzz among scouts. Despite being projected as potentially a second-round pick, he slid into the third round, where the Atlanta Falcons traded up to select him with the 96th overall pick. 

The Falcons’ move to secure him indicates their belief in his ability to make an immediate impact. Analysts highlighted his coverage skills, football IQ, and ball production as prime factors that made him worth the trade-up. 

Professional Career: Atlanta Falcons

Since being drafted, Xavier Watts has quickly made his presence felt in the NFL.

Rookie Season Highlights

In his rookie campaign with the Falcons, Watts has shown early promise:

• He became one of the few rookies with multiple tackles and pass breakups in his debut.

• In Week 2, he recorded his first career interception on national television on Sunday Night Football, a strong indicator of his instincts translating to the professional level.

Current NFL Stats (2025)

As of the most recent games in the 2025 season, Watts has been a regular contributor on defense:

• Tackles: 79

• Pass Deflections: 7

• Interceptions: 3
  (Stats vary slightly depending on source update timing — but overall reflect solid rookie production.) 

These early numbers show that Watts is not just a developmental project — he’s making plays at the next level.

Injury History

As of the latest reports, Xavier Watts has not suffered any major injuries that significantly impacted his playing time or draft stock from college to the NFL. While football is inherently physical, there has been no widely reported serious injury history that has derailed his progress as of late 2025.

That said, like all professional players, monitoring his health and durability is crucial as he continues his NFL career. Regular updates from team reports and official injury lists will provide the most accurate insights.

Playing Style and Strengths

Watts is widely regarded for several standout traits:

Ball Skills & Coverage Instincts

One of his defining characteristics is his ability to read the quarterback and anticipate routes, leading to a high interception rate both in college and translating to early NFL success. 

Football IQ

His time as both an offensive and defensive player gives Watts an edge in understanding offensive concepts, allowing him to break up passes and anticipate plays before they fully develop.

Versatility

While primarily a safety, Watts’ athleticism allows him to play multiple secondary roles, including slot coverage or deep help, depending on defensive schemes.

Age and Personal Profile

As of December 2025, Xavier Watts is 24 years old, having been born on November 22, 2001. 

His relatively young age combined with his early NFL playing time suggests he likely has a long and productive professional career ahead.

Impact on the Falcons Defense

Watts represents a potential cornerstone of the Falcons’ secondary:

• He adds ball production and turnover creation to Atlanta’s defense — a premium asset in today’s pass-heavy league.

• Analysts and fans alike have identified him as one of the team’s hidden gems and breakout candidates on defense. 

Falcons supporters are excited about how his instincts and athletic profile could elevate the secondary in Atlanta’s pursuit of playoff contention.

What Fans Are Saying

Online NFL and Falcons communities have been buzzing about Watts’ impact:

• Many Falcons fans view him as a draft steal, considering his ability to start early and influence games. 

• Social media highlights and fan posts often showcase his knack for big plays and range in coverage.

These sentiments reflect his growing reputation not just among analysts, but among the broader football fanbase.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Watts’ trajectory suggests a long NFL career with potential to:

• Become a full-time starter

• Be among the top safeties in the league

• Earn Pro Bowl or All-Pro honors if development continues

The foundational skills he showed in college — ball production, coverage instincts, and leadership — are critical for long-term success in today’s NFL.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What position does Xavier Watts play?
Xavier Watts plays safety in the NFL after converting from wide receiver in college. 

2. Where did Xavier Watts go to college?
He played college football at the University of Notre Dame, where he became one of the top defensive players in the country. 

3. Which NFL team drafted Xavier Watts?
The Atlanta Falcons selected Watts in the third round (96th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft. 

4. What awards did Xavier Watts win in college?
He won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s top defensive player and was named a consensus All-American twice. 

5. Has Xavier Watts had major injuries?
As of late 2025, there are no major injuries widely reported that have significantly impacted his career. Regular team injury reports should be consulted for current status.