Let’s take a closer look at one of the prospects the Panthers could select in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Since it’s never too early to look forward to the NFL Draft, this weekly series will take a closer look at some of the prospects the Carolina Panthers could select in the 2025 iteration of the Draft. In this series, we’ll only be looking at prospects the Panthers could seriously consider. This week our profile will focus on Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Xavier Watts.
As a former wide receiver, Xavier Watts definitely has the size (6’, 203 lbs) and athleticism to play safety in the NFL. He also spent some time at linebacker during his Notre Dame tenure, allowing him to gain a physicality that some other safeties do not have. Watts really turned things up a notch in 2023, earning himself the Bronco Nagurski Award as the nation’s best defender. He followed up that season with another fantastic showing, notching 82 tackles (4 for a loss), six interceptions including one for a touchdown, 10 passes defended, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery during Notre Dame’s National Championship Game run.
Watts’ willingness to switch positions multiple times shows his team-first attitude and coachability. He plays hard every snap and is very aggressive, allowing him to be a true playmaker on the back end. Since he is new to the safety position, he sometimes makes the incorrect read in coverage, but Watts is fantastic against the run and above average overall against the pass. While he likely won’t be a top ten pick, he could absolutely rise up draft boards after he shows out at the Senior Bowl. He has the versatility and playmaking ability to be an immediate contributor on a team that knows how to use versatile, playmaking safeties. Imagine if the Panthers defense had a player like, I don’t know, a Jeremy Chinn but with better ball skills.
What do you think, Panthers fans? If Xavier Watts is available when the Panthers select in the 2025 NFL Draft, should they take him? Sound off in the comments!