Xavier Watts

[Drinking The Green Koolaid]

As I watched yesterday's game it brought a smile to my face watching how Xavier Watts balled out on his Senior Day. 3 tackles, a pass defended, a fumble recovery and an interception. He did it all. And if I heard correctly he had quite a contingent of family members (50+) at the game. He's been a horse back there at the safey position for the past couple of years. Just seems to have a real nose for where the ball is going. We've been blessed to see Xavier turn into a defensive monster in front of our own eyes after being converted from a WR into a first-team All American safety and Nagurski award winner. And he seems to be a quiet, humble kid.

Way to go, Xavier, way to go.

 

[FightingIrish44]

Heck yeah man. I heard on a youtube channel a caller was saying how he should probably be thought of as an all time great DB. You kind of have to consider him that just by winning the Nagurski last year, but he’s following it up this year too.

The NIU play where he tried to throw the interception to Shuler (I think) should also not be forgotten. Heck of a player. I hope he has a Master’s Degree too before playing in the NFL. It will be interesting to see where he gets drafted.

 

[savvyandsassier]

He's not rated highly on draft boards at safety, which I don't quite get. He was national POY of the year as a junior, The Nagurski award I think it is, and he's kicking as again this year. But all the PFF type scouting gurus and whatnot have him like, the 11th best safety or something. Or they did. Maybe he's starting to move up boards, headlining such a dominant ND defense.

 

[Golson5]

He's one of the great defensive backs in Notre Dame history

 

[savvyandsassier]

Heck yeah man. I heard on a youtube channel a caller was saying how he should probably be thought of as an all time great DB. You kind of have to consider him that just by winning the Nagurski last year, but he’s following it up this year too.

The NIU play where he tried to throw the interception to Shuler (I think) should also not be forgotten. Heck of a player. I hope he has a Master’s Degree too before playing in the NFL. It will be interesting to see where he gets drafted.

I know, that was awesome. Probably would have won the game if he'd pulled it off, just because we would have. A positive play like that would have been enough to swing it the other way somehow.

 

[Drinking The Green Koolaid]

One of the mock drafts I saw (on Bleacher Report) has him going as a late first round pick, but most of them seem to think he will be second or third round pick. The pundits seem to love his motor, football IQ, and ability to play against the run.

Kyren Williams didn't get a lot of love coming out of ND, but he has blossomed into a really good NFL player. I believe Xavier can do the same.

 

[FightingIrish44]

Something tells me he will be a fifth rounder or maybe later. He seems very intelligent, but maybe doesn’t have the physical traits to be drafted higher. I won’t be surprised if he has a longer career. Reminds me of Mathias Farley.

 

[PHJIndy]

IMO, Xavier Watts deserves a mention in the Heisman vote! I realize defenders don't get consideration, but he's been an elite defender for two years now! I don't remember the last defender to get mention, maybe Monti Te'o?

 

[IrishMike409]

As I watched yesterday's game it brought a smile to my face watching how Xavier Watts balled out on his Senior Day. 3 tackles, a pass defended, a fumble recovery and an interception. He did it all. And if I heard correctly he had quite a contingent of family members (50+) at the game. He's been a horse back there at the safey position for the past couple of years. Just seems to have a real nose for where the ball is going. We've been blessed to see Xavier turn into a defensive monster in front of our own eyes after being converted from a WR into a first-team All American safety and Nagurski award winner. And he seems to be a quiet, humble kid.

Way to go, Xavier, way to go.

Excellent post. Nothing I could add to it! Perfectly said.

 

[IrishMike409]

I think he's likely a day 2 pick. Drafted between 50 and 100.

He'll have a heckuva a shot to be someone's starting Safety in the NFL.