30 prospects in 30 days: Notre Dame's Xavier Watts is a ball-hawking safety

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Notre Dame's Xavier Watts is one of the top safeties in this year's NFL draft. The two-time All-American is a ball hawk. Watts had 13 interceptions over the past two seasons, which is the most in college football.

"I feel like I have instincts you can't coach," Watts said. "I mean, my game film speaks for itself. I make a lot of plays on the ball and that's because I'm trusting what I'm feeling. I can't play slow. Just out there playing fast."

His production at Notre Dame was off the charts. Watts was the Bronko Nagurski Award winner in 2023, which goes to the best defensive player in the country. Last season he added another title: team captain.

"Just coming into this season, especially being a captain, it really forced me to be out there and be a true leader," Watts said. "Especially as one of the veteran guys back there. Really preparing me for this next level because at the next level, you got to talk. You got to be a communicator. You got to be very mature. So this season, I'm glad I came back and was able to do that."

Watts checks a lot of the boxes that NFL teams look for in a safety, including versatility. The Irish asked him to play deep safety, near the line of scrimmage and even matchup with receivers in the slot.

NFL scouts and draft analysts believe his biggest strength is instincts and the ability to diagnose plays. Xavier Watts is projected to be a 2nd round draft pick.