How a college wide receiver became an NFL defensive standout
In short: In 2021, a sudden wave of injuries forced Xavier Watts to abandon his role as a wide receiver. What followed was one of the most remarkable positional transitions in recent college football, leading from the periphery of the roster to the pinnacle of defensive excellence.
Xavier Watts arrived at the University of Notre Dame as a highly-regarded recruit, ranked second in his 2019 Nebraska class. Initially, his path was set on the offensive side of the ball; he committed to the Fighting Irish as a wide receiver, eventually accumulating 163 receptions and 36 touchdowns during his early career. However, the 2021 season brought a pivotal shift. When injuries struck the Notre Dame linebacker corps, Watts was moved to the 'rover' position—a hybrid role blending safety and linebacker duties.
This transition proved transformative. By the 2023 season, Watts had evolved into a premier ball-hawk. He led the NCAA with seven interceptions, a feat that earned him the prestigious Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Unanimous All-American honors. His defensive impact was punctuated by historic moments, such as a 100-yard interception return against USC that broke the school's record for the longest return.
His collegiate success extended into the postseason, where he helped lead Notre Dame to the College Football Playoff as the number seven seed. During a dominant run that included a Sugar Bowl victory over number two Georgia, Watts was named the game's Defensive MVP. This trajectory culminated in the 2025 NFL Draft, where the Atlanta Falcons selected him in the third round with the 96th overall pick.
Now in the professional ranks, Watts has maintained his momentum. After signing a four-year, $6.19 million contract in May 2025, he quickly established himself in the NFL. Following an impressive debut month that earned him September Defensive Rookie of the Month honors, he continued to disrupt opposing offenses, notably recording two interceptions against the Los Angeles Rams in late 2025.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Xavier Watts
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