Xavier Watts S Notre Dame | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Xavier Watts S Notre Dame
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Man-Zone Slot/Nickel Safety | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 12/06/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.49 seconds (76%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Man-Zone Slot/Nickel Safety | |
| Last Updated: 12/06/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.49 seconds (76%*) | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 86.3 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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79% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 33.1 | |
| Tackling: |
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68% |
| Run Defense: |
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76% |
| Coverage: |
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94% |
| Zone: |
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92% |
| Man/Press: |
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88% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
2nd - Mid
Overall Rank:
#46
Position rank:
#9
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| College Games: 42 College Snaps: 1814 | ||
ESPN RATING: 80/100
College Combine Results
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247 RATING: 90/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.7 (93%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ronnie Hickman - Ohio State |
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91% |
| Kyler Gordon - Washington |
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89% |
| Renardo Green - Florida State |
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86% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Xavier Watts, a converted wide receiver turned safety, has emerged as one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in college football. The Omaha native's journey from offensive playmaker to defensive stalwart at Notre Dame is a testament to his versatility and football IQ.Watts' senior season was nothing short of spectacular, as he led the nation with seven interceptions en route to winning the prestigious Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the country's top defensive player. His nose for the ball and ability to create turnovers were on full display, particularly in marquee matchups against USC and Pittsburgh where he notched multiple picks.
Despite his relatively short tenure at the safety position, Watts has shown remarkable growth and instincts. His background as a receiver has clearly aided his ball skills and route recognition, while his time at linebacker has instilled a physical edge to his play. This unique skill set, combined with his production against top-tier competition, has scouts salivating at his potential at the next level.
Honors & awards
- 2023 Bronko Nagurski Award
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Ball hawk mentality with exceptional instincts in coverage, leading the nation with seven interceptions in his final season
- Versatile defender capable of playing multiple positions in the secondary, offering scheme flexibility for NFL defenses
- Physical tackler who brings a linebacker's mentality to the safety position, excelling in run support and punishing receivers over the middle
- Quick processor with the ability to diagnose plays rapidly, allowing him to react and make impact plays consistently
- Strong football IQ, evident in his smooth transition from offense to defense and rapid ascension to elite playmaker status
- Clutch performer who elevated his game in big moments, as seen in his standout performances against top-ranked opponents
- Solid athleticism with a 4.49 40-yard dash time, providing the speed necessary to cover ground in the deep third
- High character individual with a strong work ethic, as demonstrated by his successful position switch and rapid improvement
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Limited experience at the safety position, having only played there for two full seasons at the collegiate level
- May need time to refine his technique in man coverage, particularly against more polished NFL route runners
- Could improve consistency in tackling technique, as his aggressive style sometimes leads to missed tackles in space
- Might struggle initially with the more complex coverage schemes and disguises employed in the NFL
- Will need to prove he can maintain his high level of play consistently over multiple seasons at the pro level
Scouting Report: Summary
Watts projects as a potential day one starter with the versatility to fit multiple defensive schemes. His ball-hawking ability and physical play style should translate well to the NFL, where turnover creation is at a premium. While he may need some time to refine his coverage skills against elite competition, his instincts and playmaking ability give him a high ceiling.Scheme fit will be crucial for Watts' early success. A system that allows him to play to his strengths - reading the quarterback, playing downhill, and making plays on the ball - will maximize his impact. Teams running multiple safety looks or those in need of a versatile chess piece in the secondary will likely value Watts highly.
Overall, Watts' combination of playmaking ability, physicality, and rapid development curve make him an intriguing prospect with the potential to become a difference-maker at the next level. His draft stock is on the rise, and he could hear his name called as early as the second round.
Written By:
K.C. Martinez (IND-FBS)
How other scouting services rate Xavier Watts (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
53.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
12.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.