Xavier Watts, Notre Dame—Safety
The Panthers have one safety currently under contract for the 2025 season; undrafted rookie Demani Richardson. Granted, Richardson turned out to be a gem for Ejiro Evero’s defense in his first year, with 51 total tackles, an interception, and two passes defended while playing less than 40 percent of the defensive snaps this season.
While Dan Morgan could still bring back any of the safeties set to become free agents, the likelihood of bringing in a new face, or faces, is high.
Xavier Watts is a ball-hawk through and through. He has 13 interceptions over the past two seasons, more than any other college football player in that span. His six this season are currently tied for second in FBS with a game to play, and his seven last season finished tied for first in college football. He also has eight passes defended.
Watts is farther down the list of tackling safeties, with 75 this season. If the Panthers defense can shore up their front seven, though, and keep running backs from getting to the second level, that won’t be as needed.
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