Watts has recorded two interceptions in his first four NFL starts
Atlanta Falcons safety Xavier Watts has been named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for September. The third-round pick out of Notre Dame has hit the ground running in his first NFL season. Through the first four games, Watts has recorded 23 tackles (17 solo), two interceptions and four passes defended.
The Falcons traded up five spots to secure Watts in the 2025 NFL draft. Atlanta acquired a third-round pick (pick No. 101 overall) from the Los Angeles Rams in the trade for James Pearce Jr., then flipped that pick to move up to No. 96 for Watts.
The former Fighting Irish safety was considered one of the biggest steals on Day 2 of the draft, and thus far, he’s lived up to that reputation. Watts played well enough in training camp to earn the starting safety job next to Jessie Bates III in Week 1.
Watts has the team’s third-highest Pro Football Focus grade (76.3) and has been the most effective member of the secondary at times this season. The Falcons rookie draft class has shined thus far, and Watts is key part of that.
The young safety has star potential and is already being mentioned as a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate. The Athletic named Watts to its early All-Rookie Team after the first four games.
“Hard to believe, I know, but the player who made a habit of taking the ball away in college (13 combined interceptions over his final two years at Notre Dame) is the only rookie with multiple interceptions in 2025,” wrote The Athletic’s Dane Brugler. “Watts leads all first-year safeties in both passes defended (four) and interceptions (two), and he has shown the same field vision and range that he put on his college tape.”
Falcons running back Bijan Robinson also won NFC Offensive Player of the Month for September.