Falcons' Xavier Watts Named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month

Atlanta Falcons rookie safety Xavier Watts has made a significant impact in the 2025 NFL season, earning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month award for September. Drafted in the third round, Watts has recorded 23 tackles, two interceptions, and four passes defended through four games, showcasing elite coverage skills and ball-hawking ability. He has been a key starter alongside Jessie Bates III, leading all rookies with multiple interceptions and ranking highly in both Pro Football Focus grades and defensive metrics among safeties. Watts' performance has earned him a spot on The Athletic's early All-Rookie Team and has positioned him as a strong candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year. The Falcons' rookie class, including other defensive players like James Pearce Jr. and Billy Bowman Jr., has contributed notably to the team's early success, reflecting a bold draft strategy focused on defensive playmakers. This shift in approach contrasts with the team's limited usage of the previous draft class, highlighting the immediate value Watts and his fellow rookies provide to Atlanta's defense.