The Falcons’ Week 1 loss to Tampa Bay was tough to swallow. The offense sputtered, the scoreboard wasn’t pretty, and the headlines focused on what went wrong. But here’s what almost everyone missed: Atlanta may have quietly found their next defensive star in rookie safety Xavier Watts.
Watts Strong Debut Hidden in the Box Score
Watts’ stat line looked solid—six solo tackles and two passes defended—but the numbers don’t tell the whole story. Twice, he nearly intercepted Baker Mayfield, and on one Tampa Bay touchdown, he was literally a fingertip away from breaking it up. That close to making a highlight play in his first NFL game.
If even one of those near-picks had landed in his hands, Watts would’ve been on every highlight reel across the league. Instead, he slipped under the radar.
Poise Beyond His Years
Here’s why his performance is so encouraging: Watts didn’t play like a rookie. Starting at safety in your first NFL game against a veteran QB like Mayfield? That’s a trial by fire. And Watts looked like he belonged from the first snap.
He read plays cleanly, trusted his instincts, and stayed composed even when tested deep. Atlanta’s coaches have raved about his confidence growing each week in camp, and it was on full display Sunday.
The Notre Dame Pedigree Pays Off
This shouldn’t be a huge surprise if you watched Watts at Notre Dame. He was one of the best safeties in college football, leading the nation with seven interceptions in 2023 and finishing with 13 total over his career. He was an All-American and the heartbeat of that defense.
That ball-hawking ability translated instantly in Week 1. He might not have hauled in the picks, but the fact that he was in position all game shows he’s already adjusting to NFL speed.
Exactly What the Falcons Needed
For years, the Falcons have searched for a consistent partner next to Jessie Bates. Veterans like Richie Grant and Jordan Fuller have had their chances, but the position always felt unsettled.
Enter Watts. With his instincts alongside Bates’ leadership, Atlanta may have finally found their safety duo of the future. Imagine a backfield with two true playmakers—one proven, one emerging. That’s how you build a defense that can flip games.
Impact Beyond His Own Stats
Watts’ presence had ripple effects across the defense. With his ability to cover ground, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich could dial up more pressure. Atlanta posted a 41% pressure rate on Mayfield, sixth best in the NFL for Week 1. The defensive line deserves plenty of credit, but when your safeties keep plays in check, pressure has a chance to hit home.
What Comes Next
The only thing missing from Watts’ debut? A game-changing takeaway. And that’s the exciting part—he’s already this close. With more reps, those near-interceptions will start turning into turnovers.
For a third-round pick (No. 96 overall), this is already looking like one of the best value grabs of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Final Thoughts
So while the Week 1 loss stung, Falcons fans should keep their eyes on Xavier Watts. He’s young, confident, and already proving he belongs on the big stage. Atlanta may have found its next long-term defensive cornerstone—and almost nobody noticed.