Xavier Watts

Looks the part with good height and frame and a solid, filled-in build. Good arm length and reach. Superb instincts and ball skills – always near the ball down field. Has recorded 13 INTs and 14 passes defensed over the last two seasons, recording six INTs (one returned for a TD) and 10 passes defensed in 2024. Excellent closing burst and plays the ball in the air like a WR. Very soft hands – can extend and snag the errant pass and complete the INT. Reads the QB’s eyes and jumps routes extremely well. Very effective in man coverage against TEs. Physical tackler who excels at stripping the ball. Very good foot speed and range – responsible for covering the deep middle and adept at doing so. Very active in run support and either causes or recovers fumbles regularly – has recorded a forced fumble in each of the last two seasons. Sometimes dropped into the box where his aggressiveness causes him to take some bad angles and subsequently lose containment. Not used much in man coverage but has the athletic profile to excel at those duties. 2023 Nagurski Award winner as the best defensive player in the nation. Two time All-American.