2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Notre Dame S Xavier Watts

The 2025 NFL Draft is right around the corner, and we've got you covered with in-depth scouting reports on all of the top prospects at every position in this year's class.

Here's everything you need to know about Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts heading into the 2025 draft:

Vitals

Height: 6-0

Weight: 203

Age: 23

Strengths

A converted wide receiver, Watts’ playmaking instincts and ball skills make it obvious that he spent time being targeted with passes instead of defending them. He knows how to attack the ball when it comes his way, leading to plenty of splash plays for the defense. Along the same lines, he shows impressive anticipation skills and an effective understanding of route combinations and offensive tendencies, which allows him to always get to the right spot in order to make a play or break one up. Watts has smooth, fluid footwork that allows him to change direction quickly without much wasted movement. His explosiveness and range allow Watts to fly down into the box and get involved as a run defender, as well.

Weaknesses

Although he’s a willing tackler, Watts can struggle to throttle down from full speed in time to adequately set his base and put himself in position to wrap up, leading to missed tackles. His pursuit angles in the run game are inconsistent at times, and he lacks the bulk and brute strength to bring down bigger backs and tight ends on his own in the open field. He’s a ballhawk when patrolling zones and keeping things in front of him, but he’s not the kind of hybrid safety who would excel as a slot defender in man coverage.

Updated 2025 NFL Draft Rankings By Position

QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | Interior OL | EDGE | Interior DL | LB | CB | S

Final Analysis

When it comes to patrolling the field, finding the ball and taking it away, Watts might be the best safety in this entire class. He may not give you everything you want as a man/slot defender or in run support, but his ability to make splash plays in the passing game with his range, instincts and ball skills will be enough to ensure he makes a massive impact at the next level for a defense that puts him in position to do what he does best.

Current Projection: 2nd Round