Get ready for the 2025 NFL Draft with our spotlight on Xavier Watts. Get the breakdown on their strengths and weaknesses in our scouting report, understand their potential with our draft profile, and see where experts predict they’ll land.
Xavier Watts’ NFL Draft Scouting Report
Watts is a versatile defender who displays the ability to play single high, as a split safety, and in the box as a rover. A ball magnet with 13 INTs through 2023 and 2024, Watts creates turnovers at an abnormally high clip.
He doesn’t have elite speed, but excels anyway with his elite processing ability, instincts, recalibration quickness, and fluidity. Watts’ awareness and feel shine on the back end, and he has the short-area energy to plant and drive on the football.
In run support, he’s tough and physical, displaying a quick trigger, comfort running alleys, and tenacity at contact. In man coverage, Watts is competitive with his frame density and movement skills, but can struggle at the breakpoint, and his speed limits his efficacy in vertical trail.
As such, Watts is best in roles where he can play spacing and roam with confidence. In those roles, he has the mental acuity, competitiveness, coverage mobility, and playmaking propensity to be a quality starter.
Looking for more analysis on prospects? Here’s our safety scouting reports for the 2025 NFL Draft and all other positions.
Xavier Watts’ Latest NFL Draft Projections
PFSN’s Ian Cummings projected Watts to be drafted 66th in his most recent 7-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft.
Cummings said, “Xavier Watts should not have fallen this far, but as usual, the Chiefs are the beneficiaries. Watts is instinctive, fluid, and a two-phase playmaker of the highest caliber.”
Ready to have some fun? Jump into our free NFL Mock Draft Simulator and follow along during the NFL Draft. The simulator will be updated in real-time, allowing you to finish the rest of the draft based on the results.
Xavier Watts’ NFL Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 6’0
- Weight: 203 pounds
- Position: Safety
- School: Notre Dame
- Hand: 858
- Arm: 3128
- Wing: 7648
Where Does Xavier Watts Rank Among 2025’s S Prospects?
Here are the top 10 safety rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft, according to PFSN Analyst Ian Cummings:
1. Malaki Starks, Georgia
2. Andrew Mukuba, Texas
3. Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
4. Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
5. Jordan Hancock, Ohio State
6. Jonas Sanker, Virginia
7. Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State
8. R.J. Mickens, Clemson
9. Billy Bowman, Oklahoma
10. Lathan Ransom, Ohio State
Xavier Watts is the perfect example of a prospect who’s not an elite athlete but will be able to carve out a long-lasting role as an impact NFL defender with his elite mental game and diverse all-around ability. He grades just outside of the Round-1 range on PFSFN’s board.
At 6’0″, 204 pounds, Watts is more fluid than fast, but his play pace is magnified by his rare reaction speed and recognition. He can process route concepts and manage space on the back end with malleable hips, and he takes reliable angles to the ball in run support.
Watts plays clean and confident because of his heady style, and he’s not shy about making plays, either. He had 13 INTs combined through 2023 and 2024, and his ball-hawking ability is matched by his prowess coming downhill and meeting runners for minimal gains.
Want more rankings? Here’s our NFL Draft Big Board for this year’s draft class. You can also make your own with the PFSN Big Board Builder.
Xavier Watts’ College Stats
Career:
- Solo Tackles: 117
- Tackles: 188
- Tackles For Loss: 9
- Passes Defended: 18
- Interceptions: 13
- Interception Touchdowns: 1
2024:
- Solo Tackles: 52
- Tackles: 82
- Tackles For Loss: 4
- Passes Defended: 10
- Interceptions: 6
- Interception Touchdowns: 1