Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts will be present at his Pro Day on Thursday. It represents a terrific opportunity for the Fighting Irish standout to provide scouts with testing numbers after he declined to participate physically at the NFL Combine. Watts only took part in the measurement process, checking in at a rocked-up 6-foot, 204 pounds.
The No. 73 overall prospect in our latest Draft Network 100 update, Watts is among the best safeties available in the 2025 NFL Draft. A former Bronko Nagurski award winner, Watts is a premier ball-hawk who recorded 13 interceptions over the previous two seasons.
Watts is a highly intelligent, mature, and experienced prospect. The Omaha, Nebraska native possesses advanced instincts for the position. We've identified three potential team fits for Watts in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins got worse at safety this offseason. They couldn't afford to re-sign Jevon Holland, who joined the New York Giants. They're completely revamping the position, as they also decided against re-signing fellow 2024 starter Jordan Poyer. General manager Eric Grier signed Ifeatu Melifonwu and Ashtyn Davis in free agency. Melifonwu is coming off an injury, and Davis is a veteran rotational player.
Watts would immediately restore the turnover threat lost in Holland. Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver previously worked with an abundance of talented safeties in Baltimore. The Dolphins are operating as if they'll draft an instant starter at safety. If that's not Malaki Starks or Nick Emmanwori in the first round, selecting Watts at No. 48 would represent an alternative choice.
Minnesota Vikings
Is there a better defensive coordinator in the NFL than Brian Flores right now? The Minnesota Vikings' defensive play-caller would be the ideal coach to continue overseeing Watts’ development at the next level. Watts recorded 13 interceptions in 2023 and 2024, and the Vikings led the NFL in interceptions (24) and total takeaways (33) last season.
The Vikings also lost safety Cam Bynum to a four-year, $60 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts. Bynum had three picks and 10 pass breakups. The aging Harrison Smith returns in 2025, but a succession plan is required for the 36-year-old defensive back. Underrated safety Theo Jackson signed an extension this summer, but another high-impact player is needed in the room. The Vikings don't possess a ton of draft capital, but they should attempt to position themselves for Watts.
New York Jets
The New York Jets recorded the fourth-fewest interceptions in the league last season with seven. That will displease new defensive-minded head coach Aaron Glenn, who plans to oversee a more aggressive unit. Safety is a huge need in Glenn's defensive backfield.
The aging Chuck Clark is a free agent after suffering a season-ending pectoral injury. It's safe to assume he won't be returning. Andre Cisco was an intriguing addition in free agency, but more is required. Tony Adams shouldn't be handed a starting gig without facing competition. With Cisco doing his best work near the line of scrimmage, Watts would quickly claim the primary coverage role at safety.
