Xavier Watts didn’t just arrive in the NFL-he made an entrance. The former Notre Dame safety turned heads in his rookie season with the Atlanta Falcons, earning a spot as one of five finalists for the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year award. And if that wasn’t enough, he was also named to the Pro Football Writers’ All-Rookie Team, a nod to just how impactful his debut campaign was.
Watts didn’t miss a single start in his first NFL season, suiting up for all 17 games and making every snap count. At 5-foot-11 and 203 pounds, the versatile defensive back racked up 96 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and five interceptions-tying for second in the league and leading all rookies in picks. That’s not just solid production for a first-year safety; that’s elite-level ball-hawking, especially when you consider the learning curve most rookies face.
One of the defining moments of his season came in Week 17, when Watts picked off two passes in a win over the Los Angeles Rams. It was a statement performance, the kind that doesn’t just show up on the stat sheet-it shifts momentum and wins games. He was one of only two rookies this season to record multiple interceptions in a single game, a testament to his instincts and ability to read quarterbacks like a seasoned vet.
Watts’ NFL breakout is the continuation of a remarkable football journey. At Notre Dame, he was a two-time All-American in 2023 and 2024, but his path to stardom wasn’t exactly linear.
He started his college career as a wide receiver, moved to linebacker, and finally found his home at safety by his junior year. That position switch proved to be a game-changer.
Over his final two seasons with the Fighting Irish, he totaled 134 tackles (6.5 for loss), 14 pass deflections, and 13 interceptions-leading the nation during that stretch.
Now, his alma mater is using his story as a blueprint for future defensive backs. Watts’ rise has become a recruiting tool, especially with the addition of five-star safety Joey O’Brien in the 2026 class. It’s not hard to see why-Watts is the kind of player who sets a standard, both on the field and in the locker room.
He’s also part of a historic rookie tandem in Atlanta. Fellow first-year standout James Pearce Jr. joined Watts among the Defensive Rookie of the Year finalists, marking just the second time in league history that a rookie duo from the same team has combined for at least 10 sacks and five interceptions in a single season.
That kind of production from two rookies? It’s rare air.
Here’s the full list of Defensive Rookie of the Year finalists:
- Abdul Carter, LB - New York Giants
- Nick Emmanwori, S - Seattle Seahawks
- James Pearce Jr., DE - Atlanta Falcons
- Carson Schwesinger, LB - Cleveland Browns
- Xavier Watts, S - Atlanta Falcons
The award dates back to 1967, when Detroit Lions cornerback Lem Barney took home the inaugural honor. Since then, it’s been a marker of defensive greatness to come. And if Watts’ rookie season is any indication, he’s just getting started.