Latest news with #XavierWatts
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL.com names 'ballhawking' Falcons safety to 2025 All-Rookie Team
names 'ballhawking' Falcons safety to 2025 All-Rookie Team Xavier Watts was the lone Falcons draft pick to make All-Rookie Team Over the last two years, the Atlanta Falcons have struggled to find an ideal complement for Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates III. Richie Grant started next to Bates in 2023, then Justin Simmons replaced him last season. The Falcons did not bring Simmons back as a free agent, instead signing veteran Jordan Fuller and selecting Xavier Watts in the third round of the 2025 NFL draft. Atlanta also added versatile defensive back Billy Bowman in the fourth round. Watts was considered one of the draft's biggest Day 2 steals. The Fighting Irish standout recorded six interceptions for an elite defense last season. He was ranked as the 36th player in the class by Pro Football Focus and has a realistic chance to start for Atlanta in 2025. The Falcons committed considerable resources to upgrade their two biggest defensive weaknesses in the draft. The team took Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker and Tennessee edge James Pearce Jr. in the first round, both of whom are expected to start. released its projected 2025 All-Rookie Team, but neither Walker nor Pearce made the cut. Watts was the lone Falcons rookie on the team, with Gennaro Filice praising the young safety's "ballhawking" ability. "Atlanta's defense basically has been an annual disappointment since the team's last playoff appearance in 2017," wrote Filice. "But over the past couple seasons, the unit has rostered one undeniable star in Jessie Bates III. What's better than one ballhawking safety? Two of 'em! Watts, who began his college career as a wide receiver, logged an astounding 13 interceptions over the past two seasons." The Falcons are rightfully high on Watts, which is why they traded up to get him in the third round. General manager Terry Fontenot is clearly feeling the pressure to win as he enters his fifth season with the team. This is likely what compelled him to trade a future first-round pick to move up for Pearce just 11 picks after taking Walker. If you look at the bigger picture, though, Atlanta has limited time to maximize its current talent. The team still has key players, like Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Matthew Bergeron, playing on rookie contracts. On top of that, the Falcons have 26 players set to enter free agency when the 2025 season ends. The team will kick off the season at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 7. Players arrive for training camp on July 23.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NFL analyst says Falcons' third-round pick could play 'key role' in 2025
Since general manager Terry Fontenot arrived in Atlanta, the Falcons' first-round selections have been must-see TV. From drafting a tight end in the top five, to selecting a quarterback just weeks after giving Kirk Cousins $100 million in guaranteed money, the Falcons have kept their fans guessing on Day 1 of the draft. The Falcons made another bold move in 2025 by taking two edge rushers in the first round. After landing Georgia standout Jalon Walker at pick No. 15, the team traded back into the first round to acquire Tennessee star James Pearce Jr. at pick No. 26. Advertisement While many NFL analysts criticized Atlanta for giving up a future first-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams, few seemed to realize the team received a 2025 third-round pick in return. The Falcons later traded that third-rounder along with a future fifth-round pick to move up for Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts. The Fighting Irish standout was considered one of the biggest steals on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL draft. Watts was ranked as the 36th player on PFF's big board and the Falcons drafted him at pick No. 96 overall. Considering Atlanta did not re-sign Justin Simmons, the team was lucky to land a potential difference-maker in Round 3. Even though the Falcons signed free agent Jordan Fuller to start at safety, Watts may be too talented to keep off the field. NFL analyst thinks Falcons rookie Xavier Watts could play key role CBS Sports released a new feature breaking down rookies drafted outside of the first round who could have an impact this season. Watts was the easy choice for Atlanta. Advertisement "Watts is a former receiver-turned-safety, and the ball skills needed to start a collegiate career on offense certainly transferred to the other side of the ball," wrote CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso. "Watts counters his less-than-stellar speed and suddenness with impeccable football smarts and keen instincts. The Falcons had 12 interceptions in 2024, and Jessie Bates III had four of them. Watts can carve a niche in Atlanta's defense because of his natural playmaking skill." Trapasso isn't wrong about the team's lack of playmakers outside of Bates, and Watts came down with six interceptions at Notre Dame last season. I don't think Watts will crack the starting lineup, but look for defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich to find ways to include the rookie, whether it's as a third safety or in a nickel role. While Watts may be the team's long-term starter next to Jessie Bates, the Falcons don't have to rush the rookie onto the field this season. Atlanta also has safety DeMarrco Hellams, who missed the entire 2024 season but showed a ton of promise in 2023. Overall, the Falcons secondary has more depth and talent than it has in recent memory. We'll see if it translates into more wins this season. This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Xavier Watts projected to play key role in 2025
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Notre Dame's secondary is among best in nation, according to Pro Football Focus College
Notre Dame's defense has earned yet another accolade, and we still haven't played a down of the 2025 college football season yet. Pro Football Focus College has the Fighting Irish secondary listed at third in their roundup of the top 10 secondaries. They're in the top five behind Texas and Alabama and ahead of Clemson and Ohio State. Advertisement This even with Xavier Watts and Benjamin Morrison headed to the NFL. The growth of players like Leonard Moore and Christian Gray, plus the return of veteran Adon Shuler and the addition of Devonta Smith from Alabama have PFF feeling good about the back end of Notre Dame's defense. Here's a bit of what PFF said: "The Fighting Irish made the national championship game last year off a dominant ground game and an elite secondary. Considering Notre Dame has PFF's No. 2 running back unit and our third-ranked secondary, that blueprint should remain the same in 2025." Let's hope that blueprint isn't just the same, but better. Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions. Advertisement Follow Tim on X: @tehealey This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame's secondary considered among top five in the nation
USA Today
12-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Notre Dame's secondary is among best in nation, according to Pro Football Focus College
Notre Dame's secondary is among best in nation, according to Pro Football Focus College The Fighting Irish are still considered elite despite departures to the NFL. PFF's Top 5 Secondaries in College Football🔒 — PFF College (@PFF_College) June 11, 2025 Notre Dame's defense has earned yet another accolade, and we still haven't played a down of the 2025 college football season yet. Pro Football Focus College has the Fighting Irish secondary listed at third in their roundup of the top 10 secondaries. They're in the top five behind Texas and Alabama and ahead of Clemson and Ohio State. This even with Xavier Watts and Benjamin Morrison headed to the NFL. The growth of players like Leonard Moore and Christian Gray, plus the return of veteran Adon Shuler and the addition of Devonta Smith from Alabama have PFF feeling good about the back end of Notre Dame's defense. Here's a bit of what PFF said: "The Fighting Irish made the national championship game last year off a dominant ground game and an elite secondary. Considering Notre Dame has PFF's No. 2 running back unit and our third-ranked secondary, that blueprint should remain the same in 2025." Let's hope that blueprint isn't just the same, but better. Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions. Follow Tim on X: @tehealey
USA Today
12-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL analyst says Falcons' third-round pick could play 'key role' in 2025
NFL analyst says Falcons' third-round pick could play 'key role' in 2025 CBS Sports: Falcons rookie safety Xavier Watts could play key role in 2025 Since general manager Terry Fontenot arrived in Atlanta, the Falcons' first-round selections have been must-see TV. From drafting a tight end in the top five, to selecting a quarterback just weeks after giving Kirk Cousins $100 million in guaranteed money, the Falcons have kept their fans guessing on Day 1 of the draft. The Falcons made another bold move in 2025 by taking two edge rushers in the first round. After landing Georgia standout Jalon Walker at pick No. 15, the team traded back into the first round to acquire Tennessee star James Pearce Jr. at pick No. 26. While many NFL analysts criticized Atlanta for giving up a future first-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams, few seemed to realize the team received a 2025 third-round pick in return. The Falcons later traded that third-rounder along with a future fifth-round pick to move up for Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts. The Fighting Irish standout was considered one of the biggest steals on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL draft. Watts was ranked as the 36th player on PFF's big board and the Falcons drafted him at pick No. 96 overall. Considering Atlanta did not re-sign Justin Simmons, the team was lucky to land a potential difference-maker in Round 3. Even though the Falcons signed free agent Jordan Fuller to start at safety, Watts may be too talented to keep off the field. NFL analyst thinks Falcons rookie Xavier Watts could play key role CBS Sports released a new feature breaking down rookies drafted outside of the first round who could have an impact this season. Watts was the easy choice for Atlanta. "Watts is a former receiver-turned-safety, and the ball skills needed to start a collegiate career on offense certainly transferred to the other side of the ball," wrote CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso. "Watts counters his less-than-stellar speed and suddenness with impeccable football smarts and keen instincts. The Falcons had 12 interceptions in 2024, and Jessie Bates III had four of them. Watts can carve a niche in Atlanta's defense because of his natural playmaking skill." Trapasso isn't wrong about the team's lack of playmakers outside of Bates, and Watts came down with six interceptions at Notre Dame last season. I don't think Watts will crack the starting lineup, but look for defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich to find ways to include the rookie, whether it's as a third safety or in a nickel role. While Watts may be the team's long-term starter next to Jessie Bates, the Falcons don't have to rush the rookie onto the field this season. Atlanta also has safety DeMarrco Hellams, who missed the entire 2024 season but showed a ton of promise in 2023. Overall, the Falcons secondary has more depth and talent than it has in recent memory. We'll see if it translates into more wins this season.
