Watts was the only FBS player with double-digit interceptions between the 2023-24 seasons.
The Falcons picked him with the No. 96 overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. They traded up in order to do so, giving the Philadelphia Eagles their No. 101 selection and a 2026 fifth-rounder.
"There's a lot of guys at Notre Dame that have had dads in the NFLs or just have the resources that they can succeed really fast," Bertrand said. "X has always wanted to. Because he's from Omaha, Nebraska, I just don't think there was as much opportunity for him to be with the 'best' trainer and yada yada. I knew that when he got those resources, he was just going to continue to get better and better."
Boy, did he.
The Falcons have only played four games this season, and Watts — who was named a starter before Week 1 even began — already has two interceptions. He first picked off quarterback J.J. McCarthy late in the fourth quarter to secure the Falcons' Week 2 win against the Minnesota Vikings. He then picked off quarterback Marcus Mariota in the end zone during the Falcons' Week 4 win against the Washington Commanders.
"I'd say I'm a quick learner," Watts said. "I don't want to boast or anything, but yeah. It's been a process. It's been difficult. But I feel like I have been able to pick up certain things quickly."
Watts is one of 18 players in the NFL with multiple interceptions. Only four have more, and they're all veterans. Watts is the sole rookie in this regard, too. There are five others with one interception.
That's why, last Wednesday, the 23-year-old was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month.
"Xavier Watts is a selfless, hard-working leader who is consistent in everything he does," Freeman said. "Nothing he is doing in the NFL is a surprise to his Notre Dame family."