The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could swing for Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts in the first round of the NFL Draft this year.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, teams are strategically positioning themselves to strengthen their rosters and secure talent that can immediately contribute. One name that has been generating significant buzz is Xavier Watts, a standout safety from the University of Notre Dame. Watts, known for his exceptional athleticism, leadership on the field, and ability to make game-changing plays, is a potential first-round pick. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team in transition, could be one of the teams that makes a bold move to draft Watts, a player whose talents could significantly improve their defense.

This article delves into why Xavier Watts is a perfect fit for the Buccaneers, examining his skills, how he fits into Tampa Bay’s defensive needs, and why the team could make a move for him in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Xavier Watts: A Rising Star in College Football

Xavier Watts’ journey to becoming a potential first-round pick in the NFL Draft started at Notre Dame, one of the most prestigious programs in college football. A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Watts was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school. He played both safety and cornerback in high school, showcasing his versatility and ability to make plays in a variety of situations. By the time he arrived at Notre Dame, Watts had the physical attributes that made him an immediate impact player—speed, size, and intelligence on the field.

At Notre Dame, Watts quickly made his presence felt. Over the course of his career, he developed into one of the best safeties in college football, earning multiple accolades and recognition from coaches, analysts, and scouts alike. His ability to cover ground quickly, diagnose plays, and make key tackles in the open field made him a standout in the Fighting Irish’s defensive scheme. Watts’ versatility was one of his greatest strengths, and it became clear that he could thrive both as a safety and as a player capable of lining up in the box or covering tight ends and wide receivers.

Watts’ senior season was nothing short of spectacular. He finished with impressive statistics, including several interceptions, forced fumbles, and numerous tackles. His ability to take control of the game and create turnovers made him one of the most feared players on Notre Dame’s defense. Whether he was playing deep in coverage or coming down to play closer to the line of scrimmage, Watts’ impact was undeniable. His performance during the 2024 season solidified his place as one of the top safeties in the nation, and scouts began projecting him as a first-round talent in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A Team in Transition

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the midst of a period of transition. After winning Super Bowl LV in 2021, largely thanks to the leadership of quarterback Tom Brady, the Buccaneers are now in a rebuilding phase. Brady’s retirement left a massive hole at quarterback, and Tampa Bay has spent the last year figuring out how to replace him. The team is also working to retool its roster in several key areas, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.

The Buccaneers’ defense, while still formidable, has been aging, and many of its star players—such as linebacker Lavonte David and defensive tackle Vita Vea—are approaching the latter stages of their careers. With a focus on maintaining a strong defense, Tampa Bay could use this year’s draft to secure young, dynamic players who can contribute immediately and be a part of the franchise’s long-term plans.

The safety position is one of the areas where the Buccaneers could look to add talent. Currently, Tampa Bay boasts some solid players in the secondary, but there is no question that the team could benefit from a young, versatile safety who can play both the free and strong safety roles. With veteran safeties such as Antoine Winfield Jr. anchoring the secondary, a player like Watts could complement Winfield’s skill set, allowing Tampa Bay’s defense to become even more dynamic.

As the Buccaneers look to build a defense that can carry them through the next few years, adding a player like Xavier Watts could be exactly what they need.

Why Xavier Watts is a Perfect Fit for the Buccaneers

Xavier Watts is an excellent fit for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for several reasons. His athleticism, versatility, and ability to read offenses would give the Buccaneers’ defense a much-needed injection of youth and skill. Let’s take a closer look at why Watts would be an ideal choice for Tampa Bay in the first round of the draft.

1. Versatility in Coverage

One of Watts’ most attractive attributes is his versatility in coverage. In today’s NFL, where offenses are becoming increasingly complex and fast-paced, a safety who can adapt to different roles is invaluable. Watts is capable of playing both deep and in-the-box safety, making him a dynamic asset for any defense. His ability to cover tight ends, wide receivers, and even running backs out of the backfield makes him a potential matchup nightmare for opposing offenses.

For the Buccaneers, a player like Watts could help neutralize some of the league’s top receiving threats. He would provide a safety valve for the defense, able to move around the field to cover whatever needs arise. His experience as both a cornerback and safety at Notre Dame only adds to his ability to excel in this area, giving the Buccaneers flexibility in their defensive game planning.

2. Playmaking Ability

Watts is a natural playmaker. His knack for being in the right place at the right time, combined with his explosiveness, allows him to create turnovers and make game-changing plays. His ability to read quarterbacks and jump routes has earned him numerous interceptions during his time at Notre Dame. Additionally, Watts is an exceptional tackler, able to step up in the box and make plays against the run.

The Buccaneers have struggled with turnovers in recent years, and adding a player with Watts’ ability to create turnovers could help shift the momentum in their favor during critical moments of games. Watts’ ability to turn a turnover into a big play could be a game-changer for a defense looking to find its identity post-Tom Brady.

3. Football IQ and Leadership

Another factor that makes Watts an attractive prospect for the Buccaneers is his high football IQ and leadership qualities. Throughout his career at Notre Dame, Watts demonstrated his ability to read offensive schemes and communicate effectively with his teammates. As a safety, he often served as the quarterback of the secondary, ensuring that his teammates were aligned correctly and prepared for the opposing offense’s next move.

Tampa Bay is a team that values leadership, and Watts’ maturity on the field would allow him to step into a prominent role quickly. His ability to lead and elevate his teammates, particularly in high-pressure situations, would serve the Buccaneers well as they continue to build around a younger, more dynamic defense.

4. Complementing the Buccaneers’ Defensive Scheme

Tampa Bay plays a defensive scheme that emphasizes flexibility, allowing players to move around and take on different responsibilities depending on the situation. Watts’ versatility would allow him to fit seamlessly into this system. Whether he’s asked to play as a traditional deep safety, come up in the box to stop the run, or cover a receiver in the slot, Watts can contribute in a variety of roles.

Furthermore, Watts’ ability to quickly diagnose plays and react accordingly would make him a valuable asset to the Buccaneers’ defense. His skill set would complement the existing talent in Tampa Bay’s secondary, and he would likely form a strong partnership with Antoine Winfield Jr., a player known for his range and ability to play multiple positions in the defensive backfield.

5. Long-Term Impact for the Buccaneers

Tampa Bay is looking to build a defense that can compete for years to come, and Watts could be a cornerstone player for them in that effort. Given his youth, athleticism, and ability to develop further, Watts has the potential to be a key contributor to the Buccaneers’ defense for the next decade. His skill set would allow him to grow and evolve within the system, making him an investment that could pay off long-term.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a position where they can make a move that could define the future of their defense. Drafting Xavier Watts, a versatile and dynamic safety, in the first round could be a game-changing decision for the team. With his ability to make plays, cover ground, and lead from the back end of the defense, Watts would provide the Buccaneers with the kind of talent they need to elevate their defensive unit.

The Buccaneers are rebuilding, but they are also aiming to remain competitive in a tough NFC South division. By drafting Watts, they would add a cornerstone player to their defense, one who can step in immediately and make an impact. Watts’ versatility, football IQ, and leadership would help fortify Tampa Bay’s defense for years to come, making him a logical and exciting pick for the Buccaneers as they look to build for the future while remaining competitive today.