Xavier Watts was the lone Falcons draft pick to make NFL.com’s All-Rookie Team

Over the last two years, the Atlanta Falcons have struggled to find an ideal complement for Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates III. Richie Grant started next to Bates in 2023, then Justin Simmons replaced him last season.

The Falcons did not bring Simmons back as a free agent, instead signing veteran Jordan Fuller and selecting Xavier Watts in the third round of the 2025 NFL draft. Atlanta also added versatile defensive back Billy Bowman in the fourth round.

Watts was considered one of the draft’s biggest Day 2 steals. The Fighting Irish standout recorded six interceptions for an elite defense last season. He was ranked as the 36th player in the class by Pro Football Focus and has a realistic chance to start for Atlanta in 2025.

The Falcons committed considerable resources to upgrade their two biggest defensive weaknesses in the draft. The team took Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker and Tennessee edge James Pearce Jr. in the first round, both of whom are expected to start.

NFL.com released its projected 2025 All-Rookie Team, but neither Walker nor Pearce made the cut. Watts was the lone Falcons rookie on the team, with Gennaro Filice praising the young safety’s “ballhawking” ability.

“Atlanta’s defense basically has been an annual disappointment since the team’s last playoff appearance in 2017,” wrote Filice. “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 Falcons are rightfully high on Watts, which is why they traded up to get him in the third round. General manager Terry Fontenot is clearly feeling the pressure to win as he enters his fifth season with the team. This is likely what compelled him to trade a future first-round pick to move up for Pearce just 11 picks after taking Walker.

If you look at the bigger picture, though, Atlanta has limited time to maximize its current talent. The team still has key players, like Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Matthew Bergeron, playing on rookie contracts. On top of that, the Falcons have 26 players set to enter free agency when the 2025 season ends.

The team will kick off the season at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 7. Players arrive for training camp on July 23.