Xavier Watts came to Notre Dame as a promising young talent, a high school standout with raw athleticism and big dreams. Over the course of his time in South Bend, he transformed from a player with potential into a polished, dependable star, capturing the attention of NFL scouts across the country. That journey reached its next chapter when Atlanta made the call he had long been waiting for, selecting him in the NFL Draft and opening the door to his professional future.
Watts’ path to the NFL wasn’t traditional or easy. He arrived at Notre Dame as a wide receiver, but quickly transitioned to defense, where the coaching staff believed his instincts and physicality would shine even brighter. It was a move that tested Watts’ resilience and trust in the process. Many players might have resisted such a drastic change. Watts embraced it. He worked tirelessly to learn the nuances of the defensive backfield, soaking up knowledge from coaches and veteran teammates alike. By the end of his collegiate career, he was no longer a project — he was a cornerstone.
His final season at Notre Dame showcased everything he had become: a ballhawk with a knack for finding the football, a sure tackler in open space, and a natural leader who anchored the defense with quiet confidence. He posted career-highs in interceptions, pass breakups, and tackles, earning All-American honors and solidifying his place among the best defensive players in college football. It wasn’t just the stats that set him apart, though. It was the way he played — relentless, smart, and with a clear passion for the game.
NFL teams took notice. Scouts praised his versatility, noting his ability to line up at multiple positions in the secondary. Some saw him as a traditional safety; others envisioned him playing a hybrid role, covering slot receivers and tight ends with equal effectiveness. His work ethic during the pre-draft process only further confirmed what was already known around South Bend: Xavier Watts was ready for the next level.
Atlanta clearly saw the same thing. When they submitted his name during the draft, it was a moment that validated years of hard work, perseverance, and belief. For Watts, it wasn’t just about reaching the NFL — it was about doing it the right way, by staying loyal to his development, trusting his coaches, and refusing to cut corners. His time at Notre Dame had shaped him into the player and person he needed to be, and now, he was headed to a city and a team that believed in his ability to make an immediate impact.
The fit between Watts and Atlanta feels natural. The team has been rebuilding its defense, focusing on adding smart, physical players who can help create turnovers and change games. Watts brings exactly that skillset. His ball skills, honed during his early days as a receiver, give him an edge when tracking passes downfield. His toughness and tackling ability make him reliable against the run. Perhaps most importantly, his football IQ — sharpened through years of studying complex college offenses and defensive schemes — ensures he won’t be overwhelmed by the jump to the professional game.
Beyond his on-field attributes, Watts brings an attitude that Atlanta fans will quickly embrace. He’s not flashy. He’s not a self-promoter. He’s a worker, someone who lets his play do the talking. At Notre Dame, he earned the respect of teammates and coaches by showing up every day with the same mindset: get better, do your job, lift up those around you. That mentality translates well to the NFL, where careers are built not just on talent, but on consistency and professionalism.
In interviews following the draft, Watts remained humble, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and excitement about the future. He credited Notre Dame for preparing him, mentioning the high standards and the daily demands that forced him to grow. He also spoke about the importance of patience, acknowledging that his journey included moments of doubt and difficulty, especially during his early transition to defense. Those experiences, he said, made the moment of hearing his name called even sweeter.
As he prepares to join Atlanta’s offseason program, Watts knows the work is just beginning. He’s stepping into a league filled with the best athletes in the world, where the margin for error is razor-thin. But if his past is any indication, he’ll approach it the same way he did in South Bend: with focus, determination, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to help his team win. He’s not interested in hype or shortcuts. He’s interested in competing, improving, and earning his place.
For Notre Dame, seeing Watts drafted is another point of pride for a program that prides itself on developing well-rounded players who excel on and off the field. Watts’ story is a testament to the idea that talent is only part of the equation. Character, adaptability, and a relentless work ethic are just as important. His success serves as inspiration for future Irish players, a reminder that the path to the NFL might not always be straightforward, but with the right mindset, it’s achievable.
In Atlanta, Watts will have the opportunity to contribute right away. Whether he’s starting in the secondary, playing key snaps on special teams, or filling a versatile role that allows the defense to be more creative, his impact could be felt early and often. He’s the kind of player who makes teams better, not just because of his athletic ability, but because of the tone he sets with his approach.
The excitement around his arrival is palpable. Atlanta fans are eager to see how he fits into the defense, how his playmaking skills translate to Sundays, and how he grows alongside the team’s young core. For a franchise looking to build a sustainable contender, players like Watts are invaluable — steady, driven, and committed to the team’s success above all else.
Xavier Watts’ journey from South Bend to the big leagues is a story of growth, faith, and perseverance. It’s a reminder that success isn’t always immediate and that the greatest rewards often come after embracing challenges and pushing through uncertainty. Now, as he embarks on his NFL career, he carries with him the lessons, experiences, and spirit that made him who he is.
Atlanta didn’t just draft a talented football player — they drafted a winner, in every sense of the word. Watts is ready for this next challenge. South Bend prepared him. The NFL awaits.