Our Top 10 Safeties in 2025 Draft

Here we go with our #3 ranked safety, Xavier Watts. We watched a lot of Watts' games this past season and his senior season was nothing short of spectacular. We watched him in the National Championship game and he really played well. there were a couple of plays he should have made, but other than that he lived up to his billing. Watts is one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in college football. He's a converted WR turned safety, which is a testament to his versatility and football IQ. He led the nation with 7 INT's. Watts' nose for the ball and ability to create turnovers were on full display this past season. He's a man-zone slot/nickel safety. Projected to mid-2nd round.

#3-Xavier Watts- (S) Notre Dame (6'0"/205#)

Watts has a ball-hawk mentality with exceptional instincts in coverage, leading the nation with 7 INT's in his final season. He's a versatile defender capable of playing multiple positions in the secondary, offering scheme flexibility for some teams NFL defense. He's a physical tackler who brings a linebacker's mentality to the safety position, excelling in run support and punishing receivers over the middle. Watts is a quick processor with the ability to diagnose plays rapidly, allowing him to react and make impact plays consistently. He has a strong football IQ, This was evident in his smooth transition from offense to defense and his rapid ascension to elite playmaker status. He's a clutch performer who elevates his game in big moments, as we saw in all of his games we watched, He had standout performances against top ranked opponents. Watts has solid athleticism with a 4.49/40 time, providing the speed necessary to cover ground in the deep third. He is a high character individual with a strong strong work ethic, as demonstrated by his successful position switch and rapid improvement at the safety position.
Watts has limited experience at the safety position, Having only played the position for two seasons at the collegiate level. He may need a little time to refine his technique in man coverage, particularly against polished NFL route runners. He could improve consistency in his tackling technique, as his aggressive style at times leads to missed tackles in space. Watts might struggle initially with more complex coverage schemes and disguises used in the NFL. He will need to prove he can maintain his high level of play consistently over multiple seasons at the pro level.
Watts projects as a 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 a little 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, as in reading the QB, playing downhill and making plays on the ball will maximize his impact. Teams running multiple safety looks or teams 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.