Atlanta Falcons safety Xavier Watts enjoyed a strong rookie season, leading the team in interceptions and finishing second in the NFL in that category, placing fourth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Watts totaled 96 tackles, five interceptions, and 11 pass deflections in 17 regular-season games and 17 starts. He also posted nine missed tackles, nine run stops, 19 total stops, and allowed 341 passing yards, three touchdowns, and a 101.5 passer rating in coverage.
The Atlanta Falcons’ interceptions leader earns an honorable mention ahead of 2026
Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons safety Xavier Watts (31) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In an ESPN article written by Jeremy Fowler, NFL executives, coaches, and scouts identified the top 10 safeties heading into the 2026 NFL season. The list also included five honorable mentions and 12 players who also received votes; in total, 27 players were mentioned. Xavier Watts did not make the top 10 but earned an honorable mention and was essentially named the 13th-best safety. An NFL coordinator said Watts could be one of the best safeties in the league and sees similar qualities to Jessie Bates III.
“He has a chance to be one of the best safeties in the league. [He] has very similar qualities to his running mate [Bates],” an NFL coordinator said.
Here are the top 10 safeties:
Here are the five honorable mentions:
Jalen Pitre
Tre’von Moehrig
Xavier Watts
Coby Bryant
Grant Delpit
Watts was named a breakout candidate for 2026
“The Falcons have an underwhelming quarterback competition between Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa on their hands, and there’s a chance the awesome trio of Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts is held back again by their surroundings. But on the defensive side of things, Watts is one of a few intriguing young talents. The 2025 third-round pick notched five interceptions, made 92 tackles and defended 11 passes, finishing fourth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting,” Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports said.
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