Notre Dame DB Xavier Watts 2025 Draft Profile
Xavier Watts, S Height/Weight: 6-0, 204 LBs Age: 23 Notre Dame YearTacklesPass BreakupsInterceptions20211500202239302023524720248396Xavier Watts Notre Dame StatsESPN Athletic Testing 40-yard dash:4.58 seconds 10-yard split: 1.62 seconds Vertical: 35 inches Broad: 9-10 Pros: Instincts Pure football player with experience on both sides of the ball. WR background presents itself in his ability to diagnose and attack Ball Skills Had […]
Xavier Watts, S
Height/Weight: 6-0, 204 LBs
Age: 23
Notre Dame
| Year | Tackles | Pass Breakups | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
2021 | 15 | 0 | 0 |
2022 | 39 | 3 | 0 |
2023 | 52 | 4 | 7 |
2024 | 83 | 9 | 6 |
ESPN
Athletic Testing
- 40-yard dash:4.58 seconds
- 10-yard split: 1.62 seconds
- Vertical: 35 inches
- Broad: 9-10
Pros:
Instincts
Pure football player with experience on both sides of the ball. WR background presents itself in his ability to diagnose and attack
Ball Skills
Had an absurd 7 interceptions in 2023 alone. Not only does he know where the ball is going, but he can finish the job with excellent hands and a winner's mentality at the catch point
Physicality
A lesser player would be a pure post-safety following the switch from WR. Watts enjoys playing the run and attacking gaps
Cons
Experience
Still developing his technique and nuances at safety given his position change
Raw Athletcsiim
Not a bad athlete by any means, but unlikely to rival the top of the class in his measurables come pre-draft
Versatility
Best suited for split safety looks. May struggle to effectively play all over the backend, or at least in the beginning of his career
Player Evaluation:
Good luck finding a more consistent safety in the 2025 class than Watts. While not the most dynamic athlete, his instincts are fantastic, are is his ball skills. That shouldn’t be a big surprise considering his wide receiver background, clearly understanding routes developing in front of him. He has solid starter upside on the next level.–Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame, NFL Draft
Player Comparison:
Talanoa Hufanga
Instinctual players that make QBs keep their heads on a swivel at all times. They create turnovers in an instant and have a knack for finding the ball with either their shoulder (fumbles) or their hands (Interceptions)
A to Z Rankings:
A to Z Big Board Ranking: 44th
A to Z Draft Grade: 7.96
Draft projection: Day Two
2025 NFL Draft Top 50 Big Board: Surprising QB depth and edge rushers likely dominate early rounds
Maybe the 2025 NFL Draft is deeper than we thought
