The Atlanta Falcons made a splash in April when they traded away next years first rounder to draft a second edge rusher. But it is neither Jalon Walker, nor James Pearce Jr., who earned their way onto NFL.com’s All-Rookie team projection. Instead, it was third round pick Xavier Watts.
“Atlanta’s defense basically has been an annual disappointment since the team’s last playoff appearance in 2017,” Gennaro Filice writes. “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 Dirty Birds took Watts with the 96th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, one of the very last selections of the second day. It cost them a fifth rounder next year to move up five spots and make the choice, but many think it will pay off.
“Atlanta could use that kind of playmaker in its secondary alongside Jessie Bates III, one of the best safeties in the league,” ESPN’s Marc Raimondi wrote in April. “Watts figures to be in the mix for playing time with Fuller and Hellams and could end up starting.
Xavier Watts Earning Jessie Bates Comparisons
Despite being only 28-years-old, Falcons safety Jessie Bates III will be entering his eighth NFL season in 2025. The two time All-Pro has cemented himself as an important piece of this Atlanta defense since his arrival two seasons ago.
Head coach Raheem Morris sees some of Bates traits in Watts.
“He’s coming in with such a serious demeanor and a mindset, playing in a pro-style defense at Notre Dame and being able to do some of those different things and, like, his mindset is very similar to Jessie,” Morris said last month. “What better example for Watts to have than to be able to look at a guy like that and how he prepares and how he studies and how he’s actually able to go apply it in the grass, right?”
In just two seasons with Atlanta, Bates has 10 interceptions, 21 passes defended, and seven forced fumbles.
Watts Role After Veteran Jordan Fuller Signing
One month before the draft, in late March, news broke that the Falcons signed veteran safety Jordan Fuller. Fuller played under Raheem Morris for three years in a Los Angeles Rams uniform. Now, he replaces Justin Simmons as the Falcons’ presumed starting strong safety.
“Last season, Fuller had 54 tackles, a pass breakup and a forced fumble in nine starts and appearances,” wrote Falcons reporter Terrin Waack. “He returned to the injured reserve list once again due to a hamstring injury. All this experience puts Fuller’s career resume at 333 tackles, 18 pass breakups, seven interceptions and five forced fumbles through 55 starts and 57 appearances.”
It is not uncommon for a team to deploy five or six defensive backs in todays NFL. Still, it is curious to think about how Watts fits into a defensive shell with two proven veteran safeties. SI’s Keith Cummings says this crowded safety room will be a key factor in determining if Watts can in fact put together an All-Rookie caliber campaign.
“It would be easy to thrust him in at the deep end too early, but the signs are all pointing toward the Falcons coaching staff feeling bullish about Watts becoming an early impact player, even if veteran Jordan Fuller is the starter in Week 1,” Cummings writes. “Watts has the talent, the mentorship, and the opportunity to be a key player for the Atlanta Falcons sooner rather than later. That makes him a wise choice by Filice as an all-rookie pick.”
