Xavier Watts of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates an interception
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Xavier Watts of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates an interception
This draft class was an organization defining one. After year’s of playing it safe, the Atlanta Falcons mortgaged their future to go out and draft playmakers and it has paid off to the tune of two wins in the opening month. The Dirty Birds are getting starter-like contributions from all four defensive players drafted in the team’s smallest draft class in history, but none have moved the needle more than safety Xavier Watts.
Watts was a third round selection from Notre Dame. Chosen 96th overall, the Falcons gave up a fifth round selection in next years draft to go and get the six-foot-even center fielder.
Playing opposite of Jessie Bates, Watts’ contribution has been immeasurable performing as one of the defenses most impactful pieces. His efforts gathered league wide recognition as the NFL announced Wednesday that Watts was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month.
Xavier Watts Defensive Rookie Of The Year Odds
Despite playing a less high profile position, Watts outpaced rookies like Abdul Carter, Carson Schwesinger, and Jihad Campbell, who remain at the front of the pack in the Defensive Rookie of the Year odds.
In fact, at +3500 Watts represents some real value for the betting man after putting together the best month of the bunch.
In the first four games of his career, Watts tallied 23 total tackles. This was tied for second most tackles on the team, trailing just one behind Jessie Bates for the team lead.
He is also one of just 13 players in the entire NFL who recorded more than one interception in the first month of the season. His two picks, one coming on a win on Sunday Night Football and another coming in last week’s narrow win, makes him the only rookie to get his paws on two passes.
Not too mention he is the only free safety on roster, meaning that his snap share should not dwindle at all through out the next 13 games.
To further cement the validity of this flyer, team writer Terrin Waack provides this history lesson.
In fact, Watts is the first Falcons rookie with multiple picks since linebacker Deion Jones in 2016 and the first with multiple picks through the first four games since linebacker Al Richardson, who was later voted Defensive Rookie of the Year, and defensive back Kenny Johnson in 1980,” Waack writes.