Round 2: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
The Dallas Cowboys will likely move on from one, if not two, of their starting safeties this offseason. Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson are coming off down seasons and the front office will be hungry to cut costs. In this draft scenario it’s Wilson who gets the axe, leaving Hooker, Juanyeh Thomas and Markquese Bell as the top safeties on the depth chart.
Xavier Watts, a ready-made star safety prospect, immediately bullies himself into that starting unit. At 6-foot, 203-pounds, Watts is a bit undersized at the safety position but his ball skills are elite and his speed and instincts are top notch.
ND Safety Xavier Watts wore a bunch of different hats (CF, 1/2 field, Box, Matching TEs in man) for a stout Notre Dame defense this year.
— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) December 31, 2024
Couple things stand out on film:
1) Quick transition from his pedal
2) Route recognition/ FBIQ
3) Ball skills (13 INTs, 6 PBUs since 2023) pic.twitter.com/0GHnEoS3mL
Equally as proficient in zone and man coverage, Watts could play in the box or even slide into the centerfield position occupied by Hooker and effectively cover between the numbers in single high safety situations. As a former WR, Watts plays like all airborne balls are his. He has a natural nose for the ball and his IQ is through the roof. A leader and a playmaker, Watts would be a Day 1 starter in Dallas and is one of the most tantalizing centerfield safety prospects to hit the league in recent years.
It may come down to who takes over at defensive coordinator this coming season. With Zimmer, it would be a match made in heaven but really any aggressive defense that leans on the secondary heavily would kill for someone like Watts.
This pick has a high floor and high ceiling. Safety might not be a top need for some, but Watts is an instant starter with Pro Bowl potential. Best yet, his insertion would save the Cowboys significant money at the safety position.