Key Takeaways
- The Atlanta Falcons could have a future star in 2025 draft pick Xavier Watts
- The former Notre Dame standout was brilliant in college, breaking several program records
- Watts' trainer, Augustine Ume-Ezeoke, explained why he believes Watts is going to thrive at the next level
Xavier Watts in action at Notre Dame (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
As the Atlanta Falcons prepare for a pivotal new era, the spotlight turns to a third-round pick who may prove to be one of the steals of the draft: safety Xavier Watts. Known for his grit, intelligence, and relentless preparation, Watts enters the NFL with far more than just raw talent—he brings a refined skill set, sharpened instincts, and a mindset forged behind the scenes.
At Notre Dame, Watts carved out one of the most impactful defensive careers in recent memory. Over 33 consecutive starts, he tallied 188 total tackles (117 solo), 8.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 13 interceptions—tied for third-most in school history and the highest total by any Irish player since 1996. His 273 interception return yards, 18 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, two recoveries, and two defensive touchdowns paint the picture of a complete, versatile playmaker.,
Watts earned national recognition with dominant back-to-back seasons, beginning with a breakout 2023 campaign: 52 tackles, seven interceptions (tied for most in the nation), four pass breakups, a forced fumble,have and a defensive touchdown. He was named the Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner as the top defensive player in college football and earned unanimous All-America honors.
He followed that with an even more productive 2024: 82 tackles (52 solo), six interceptions (second in the nation), 10 pass breakups, another pick-six, and a fumble recovery. He closed his collegiate career as a two-time consensus All-American, Notre Dame Defensive Player of the Year, and a respected team captain, cementing his legacy as one of the program’s elite defenders. Watts was a pillar in the ND defense alongside RJ Oben, who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent.
To better understand the foundation behind Watts’ rise and transition to the pro level, RG spoke with Augustine Ume-Ezeoke, founder of AUE Performance and one of the key trainers instrumental in preparing Watts for the NFL.
The foundation behind Watts' rising trajectory, including early impressions and targeted drills, is revealed in this deep-dive Q&A, and why Falcons fans should be paying close attention.
When you first began working with Xavier Watts, what stood out most about his game, and what areas did you immediately target for improvement?
“What stood out immediately was his motor—he trains like he plays: all out. He’s explosive, twitchy, and incredibly locked in. But what impressed me most was his football IQ. Right away, we focused on refining his transition movements, especially his short-area footwork and ability to flip his hips while maintaining control. The goal was to make him more efficient without sacrificing his natural aggression.”
Xavier made a major jump in performance during his final year at Notre Dame. How did your offseason training help him carry that momentum into the NFL?
“Our focus was simple: don’t let off the gas. We took the confidence he built and doubled down on the habits that got him there. That meant elevating his recovery strategy, sharpening his film prep, and adding variability to our drills to simulate game chaos. We trained for precision under pressure—so that when he stepped on the field, he could trust his instincts and let it fly.”
From footwork to film study, safeties have to master so much. What was your approach in helping Xavier sharpen his instincts and play recognition?
“We treated it like building a toolbox. Physically, we honed his footwork and angles. Mentally, we’d walk through offensive tendencies, disguise concepts, and route trees. I’d run him through drills that forced split-second decisions—giving him a visual or verbal cue mid-drill to replicate real-time recognition. That combination of movement and mental processing helped him react, not overthink.”
How do you tailor drills to help a safety like Xavier transition from the college game to the speed and complexity of the NFL?
“We layered speed and decision-making. College safeties can sometimes rely on raw athleticism, but in the NFL, a false step is the difference between a pass breakup and a touchdown. So, I designed reactive drills with motion shifts, sudden breaks, and variable tempo to challenge his timing. We also integrated NFL-level route combinations into his fieldwork to prepare for what he’ll see on Sundays.”
What role did mental toughness and preparation play in Xavier’s process, and how did you help him strengthen that side of his game?
“It played a huge role. We talked a lot about staying level-headed—handling criticism, setbacks, and the pressure of the draft process. I’d intentionally put him in uncomfortable training situations: fatigued reps, unexpected changes, even verbal pressure. He embraced it all. That resilience is one of his biggest assets going into the league.”
What impressed you most about Xavier’s mindset throughout his NFL draft prep and transition to professional football?
Xavier is known as a leader both on and off the field. How did that leadership show up during your time working with him?
“He leads by example, first and foremost. He also asks the kind of questions that elevate a group—he’s not just trying to be better, he wants to understand the why, and he brings others along with him. During group sessions, younger athletes naturally gravitated to him—and he welcomed that role.”
Was there a defining moment during training when you knew Xavier was ready for the league—not just physically, but mentally?
“His IQ. High football intelligence. You saw it in how he trained — in the weight room, during speed work. He’s a communicator, a leader on the back end. Reminds me of Ed Reed in that sense.”
What do you think Xavier brings to the Atlanta Falcons defense that fans and coaches might not fully realize yet?
“His pre-snap intelligence. People see the picks and hits, but what they might miss is how often he puts himself—and others—in the right spot before the snap. He’s going to earn trust fast because he plays with both awareness and urgency.”
In one word, how would you describe Xavier Watts—and why?
“Relentless. Because no matter the drill, the day, or the challenge, he shows up ready to go further than what’s asked. That mindset is what separates good from great.”
Watts is not only a promising rookie but also a student of the game who has the drive of a veteran and the humility of someone who acknowledges that there is always more to learn. His strategic development, mental strength, and unwavering commitment to growth has made him a key player in Atlanta's defensive future. He is a player who stands out because of his intelligence, leadership, and relentless drive, and has been built for the long haul in the NFL.
