What Does Newly Drafted Falcon Xavier Watts Bring To Atlanta?

[ASFN Admin]

With their 3rd round pick in this year's NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select Notre Dame Safety Xavier Watts. What can we expect?

The Atlanta Falcons consider Watts a "stud" safety, which is why they traded up to select him with the 96th overall pick in round three. His impressive resume proves Atlanta right, at least on paper. So, what do you get with Watts? He is a two-time unanimous first-team All-American who won the 2023 Bronco Nagurski Award annually to the nation's top defensive player.

Atlanta waited four hours to select Watts, after moving up 20 spots to choose James Pearce Jr. in the late first round. Watts joined Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter (Colorado WR/CB) as the only consensus All-Americans in 2023 and 2024. Watts is highly versatile and can make plays from any alignment. He also has excellent instincts and is reliable when covering the slot.

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Newly drafted Atlanta Falcon Xavier Watts competes in Notre Dame pro day.


Also in 2024, Watts tied for second in the FBS with 6 INTs. Sugar Bowl Defensive MVP (7 tackles, TFL) in the playoff quarterfinal win over Georgia. Set school record with a 100-yard INT returned for a TD against USC. Started all 16 games (82 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 10 PBUs, FF). He was also a team captain.

I've included Watts' strengths and weaknesses according to NFL.com/Prospects.

Strengths​

• Rare instincts create on-ball production.
• Plays with excellent twitch and anticipation.
• Eyes and range to play over the top or put lid on Cover 2 buckets.
• Tremendous ball skills and feel for passing lanes.
• Almost never penalized.
• Very rapid diagnosis and response to the run.
• Displays good pre-snap recognition of play design.
• Scheme-independent with ability to play high, low or from slot.

Weaknesses​

• Can be frenetic with false steps at the top of the route.
• Narrow pedal creates stiffer coverage transitions.
• Below-average body control and reactive agility.
• Lacks discipline and patience when defending the run.
• Reckless pursuit leverage creates open cutback lanes.
• Must come to balance and drop his entry point as an NFL tackler.

Related: What The Atlanta Falcons Are Getting In Jalon Walker

Related: What The Atlanta Falcons Are Getting In James Pearce Jr.?​

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