University of Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts was known as a ball hawk when he entered the 2025 NFL Draft. In his time with the Atlanta Falcons, he has been just that, learning from and striving with veteran safety Jessie Bates III. Early in his career, he’s showing signs of becoming a top defensive back.
After Week Three in the NFL, he currently has the most interceptions among defensive backs since being drafted in 2025. That’s six interceptions in situations that made a difference.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich showed a lot of trust in him in his rookie season, playing all 17 games next to veteran Bates III.
He made an impact in other areas while also managing five interceptions. He led all NFL rookies in that category and became the first Falcon rookie since legend Deion Sanders to steal that many passes in a season. This great effort made him a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year, All-Rookie, and even the All-NFC team.
Things don’t seem to be slowing down for him at all in his sophomore campaign. He has already amassed 16 tackles, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble, adding to his game-sealing interception against Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love under the prime-time Thursday night lights.
Getting six interceptions in his first 20 career games is an amazing feat, but his sixth interception showed what a great teammate he is.
After intercepting Love, instead of trying to extend the game by running the ball in for a touchdown, Watts slides to a stop, sacrificing a defensive touchdown for himself to save his defense from having to play another down. Scoring would have left enough time on the clock for Green Bay to attempt one last drive. Watts’ high football IQ and care for his defensive teammates were on full display, as well as his ability to track the ball.
Every interception he’s had for the Falcons has come in impressive, season-defining wins. In his rookie season, there was a dominant 22-6 win against Minnesota in Week Two, a 34-27 nail-biter against the Washington Commanders in Week Four, a Week 12, 24-10 dominant win against division rival New Orleans Saints, and he managed two interceptions against Matthew Stafford in a Week 17, 27-24 primetime win against the Los Angeles Rams.
Watts is becoming an instrumental piece to Atlanta’s defense. Without starting cornerback A.J. Terrell, he and Bates III will have to be on top of their game in the secondary to minimize miscues and big plays, meaning Watts has a lot of opportunity to extend his interception streak this season. Maybe he’ll get one from Saints quarterback Tyler Shough on Monday Night Football.
