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Another one in the series of NFL draft prospects by those passionate fans who watch and study their college teams closer than any reporter. This time Greg checked in on one of his favorite Notre Dame standouts.
Standing six feet tall and weighing 205 pounds, Xavier Watts has become a standout player for the Fighting Irish. As a safety, he has shown remarkable skill and tenacity on the field, quickly becoming a fan favorite.
Watts’ two most memorable games came against the fierce rivals, USC. In 2023, he intercepted Caleb Williams, contributing to a 48-20 victory for the Irish. The following year, in 2024, Watts set a record for a Fighting Irish defender by surpassing 100 yards with a pick-six. This remarkable feat came after Christian Gray had set a new record with a 99-yard pick-six earlier in the game. These performances solidified Watts’ reputation as a game-changer.
In 2023, Watts’ exceptional performance earned him the prestigious Bronco Nagurski Award, further cementing his place in college football history.
Looking ahead, fans like me are eager to see Watts take his talents to the NFL, with the Dallas Cowboys being an ideal destination. His draft potential is promising, with expectations for him to be picked in the third round.
Watts brings a linebacker’s mentality to playing safety, demonstrating a unique blend of aggression and strategy. Despite his limited time as a safety—having transitioned from a wide receiver out of high school—Watts has quickly adapted and excelled. While this might raise concerns for some, it also highlights his versatility and rapid learning curve.
Drawing a parallel with Trevon Diggs, who successfully transitioned from wide receiver to cornerback, Watts’ future looks bright. With twelve interceptions in two seasons and a proven ability to stop running backs, Watts has been well-coached by Al Golden, ensuring his skills are honed to perfection.
In conclusion, Xavier Watts is a formidable player whose impact on the field is undeniable. His journey from wide receiver to award-winning safety speaks volumes about his dedication and talent. As he prepares for the next chapter in his career, fans eagerly await his future successes in the NFL.
I have always believed that passionate fans have a deeper understanding of their teams and players than agenda-driven sports reporters. Fans are not concerned if a player was rude to a reporter in the locker room; instead, they focus on the player’s performance and character without being swayed by personal grudges.
These dedicated fans work forty hours a week and reserve their weekends in the fall to watch their teams compete. Many attend a few games each season and often create a special viewing area in their homes to cheer for their teams.
To gather honest opinions on the players from their schools who will be eligible for the NFL Draft, I decided to reach out to my passionate friends who support various teams.
First up is lifelong Penn State fan and former season ticket holder Scott, who discusses the first players expected to be drafted on day one of the NFL Draft.
1. Abdul Carter DE/EDGE 6-3 259
Unanimous All-American 2024
Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year 2024
2 X first-team All-Big Ten 2023, 2024
Second-team All-Big Ten 2022
Strength: Speed to rush the passer. He switched to DE from being a linebacker. Physical and aggressive.
Weakness: He still needs more time as an edge rusher. Can over pursue at times.
What was the best game or performance you remember him having during his career at Penn State? He had an outstanding playoff run. The play I remember most is when he broke through the Notre Dame line and sacked Riley Leonard using just one arm.
Is he destined for success in the NFL, CFL, or WFL?: First-round NFL draft pick
Would you want him on your team? Absolutely yes!
Likely landing spot: New York Jets
Explore our breakdown of which 2025 NFL Draft prospects have the most to gain from Monday’s College Football National Championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame…
— Read on www.the33rdteam.com/2025-nfl-draft-players-with-most-on-the-line-in-national-championship/
This mock draft is conducted before the McCarthy decision is finalized. With free agency, the playoffs, and numerous other offseason events yet to unfold, this approach logically addresses team needs, particularly in light of probable free-agent departures.
We may eventually uncover the reasons behind the Jones family’s unexpected frugality and struggles with the salary cap, but that is beyond our control now.
12 Ashton Jeanty, Boise State RB
Dallas makes a promising addition after choosing not to sign Derrick Henry, which likely cost them games. The Frisco native has drawn significant comparisons for his vision and elusiveness, making him a contender for ROY discussions early in the season. Fans will be excited for the 2025 NFL season as he joins 1,000-yard rusher Rico Dowdle, enhancing the offense significantly.
Dallas owes it to CeeDee Lamb to get him a good running mate. With Brandin Cooks’s expected departure/retirement, grabbing Bond as a long-term partner makes a lot of sense. For the 2025 season, I could still see Dallas adding a veteran option such as Stefon Diggs on an incentive-type deal (maybe one or two years), but Bond would be considered the long-term partner. The NFL stage will not be too big for this former Alabama stud player and current Longhorn.
Now that the offense has new weapons, Dallas can shift to the defense, especially stopping the run. What better way than adding a young, dynamic former Bronko Nagurski winner in Xavier Watts? Watts excels in run support and has all the skills to assume a starting role early in his career and with the up and downplay of current starters Malik Hooker (2 years left) and Donovan Wilson (free agent in 2026).
148. Nazir Stackhouse DL Georgia
Adding a 300 + pound, 6-4 run stuffer in Stackhouse will help the Dallas defense immediately, and money moves around the cap. They give them a strong player with a high football IQ and a more than moderate salary cap hit. Stackhouse has been a corner of the Georgia defense and will help immediately with run-stuffing for Dallas while developing additional skills.
168. Jay Higgins, LB Iowa
Due to DeMarvion Overshown’s injury and the upcoming free agency, Dallas needs young linebackers. They require players who can take on multiple roles, and Higgins fits that description perfectly. Although he was a full-time starter for only one year, he has accumulated 27 starts overall. Higgins possesses the versatility to contribute in various capacities on the team and brings valuable special teams experience. He showcases strong run and pass defense skills, and with the solid fundamental coaching he received at Iowa, he is poised to make an immediate impact in the draft class.
Given his impressive length and ability to play along the boundary, Harris is an excellent addition for the Cowboys, especially as they navigate changes in their secondary due to free-agent departures and injuries. He could become a starter early in his career in Dallas, particularly with Trevon Diggs returning from surgery and currently facing challenges. Harris offers a solid long-term option for the team, complementing DaRon Bland and Caelen Carson.
171. Jack Nelson, OT Wisconsin
With the absence of future Hall of Fame right guard Zach Martin, the Cowboys’ young offensive line showed promising potential that should carry into 2025. The ideal candidate for this team is someone who can play multiple positions, and Nelson fits that description. He has made 38 starts in college, with 25 at left tackle and 13 at right guard. Nelson knows how to protect the quarterback and enhance the run game, making him likely to assume a significant role with the team in 2025.
Cooper Rush and Trey Lance are free agents, meaning the quarterback room will look different this year. McCord had an impressive season, throwing for 4,779 yards and 34 touchdowns; he’s a pure pocket passer who could develop into a better version of Cooper Rush. Ideally, Lance will return, as he will be 25 next year and may face a limited market. This fact would allow McCord to slide into the third quarterback position.
209. Rylie Mills DL Notre Dame
The player’s wide frame makes him an ideal rotational run-stuffer for the team, which struggled with run defense last season. At 6 feet 4 inches and 300 pounds, Mills is an excellent developmental prospect. He has performed well at the highest level, demonstrating flexibility in both system and scheme. He will secure a spot on the Cowboys’ roster in 2025.
The Cowboys need young and healthy linebackers, and Kiser is a good fit for that role and more. He excels as a special teams player and is a strong run supporter, which will help him secure a spot on the roster. However, his coverage skills are limited, making him a one-dimensional player primarily known for his special teams abilities. As the team transitions, his special team contributions will allow him to get on the field while he works on improving his skills in defensive assignments.
Well, there you go—the preliminary mock draft. Just for the record, the fact that it includes two Iowa and three Notre Dame players is purely coincidental, but selecting players from schools known for strong fundamental teaching is undoubtedly a smart strategy.
Schu Box Sports 