REPORT: Commanders Predicted to Land ‘Best Ball-Hawking Safety’ in 2025 Class

The Washington Commanders finished the 2024 NFL season with a positive turnover margin, largely due to their offense averaging fewer than one giveaway per game.

Defensively, however, they struggled to create turnovers, ranking in the league’s bottom third with just 17 takeaways. That could change significantly if they add a defensive playmaker in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Josh Liskiewitz of Pro Football Focus projected Washington to do just that, predicting they would select Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts at No. 29 overall.

“Watts is the best ball-hawking safety in this class, thanks to his intelligence and ability to break on the football,” Liskiewitz wrote. “Even with tackling concerns, he should be drafted somewhere on Day 2.”

Over the past two seasons, Watts led all FBS defenders in interceptions, recording seven in 2023 and six in 2024. A two-time All-American, he also tallied 134 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, 14 pass breakups, and two forced fumbles during that span.

Commanders Safety Depth Entering 2025 NFL Draft

No Commanders defensive back saw more playing time last season than veteran safety Jeremy Chinn, but Washington lost him in free agency to the Las Vegas Raiders.

To help fill the void, the Commanders signed veteran safety Will Harris to a two-year, $8 million contract, which could reach $10 million with incentives, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo on March 11.

Despite the financial commitment, it’s unclear if Washington views Harris as a guaranteed starter. His versatility could allow him to play a hybrid safety/linebacker role in the defense.

If the Commanders choose not to draft a defensive back at No. 29 overall, Harris has the experience to step in as a starter. However, his signing doesn’t rule out Washington selecting a safety like Xavier Watts, especially with 1,021 defensive snaps needing to be replaced following Chinn’s departure.

Harris previously played over 1,000 defensive snaps for the Detroit Lions in 2021 and logged 861 snaps last season with the New Orleans Saints.

Washington’s secondary also features returning starting safety Quan Martin, along with Percy Butler, Jeremy Reaves, Tyler Owens, and Ben Nikkel.

How Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts Potential Fits With Washington Commanders

With Chinn’s departure leaving a significant gap in Washington’s secondary, Xavier Watts could have an immediate role in the Commanders’ defense. His ball-hawking ability would be a major asset, as Washington struggled to generate turnovers last season.

The Commanders recorded just seven interceptions in 2024—only one more than Watts had at Notre Dame. Only the Jaguars, Giants, and Browns finished with fewer picks in the NFL.

While some draft analysts have concerns about Watts’ tackling, his ball skills make him one of the most sought-after safeties in the 2025 class.

“Safety with the versatility and ball skills to make plays from a variety of alignments,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote. “Watts plays with rare feel and instincts on the back end, allowing him to range over the top in single-high or read and drive on throws as a split safety.

“The tackling lowers his floor some, but I expect him to drift toward his ceiling because he’s so good on the back end.”

ESPN’s 2025 NFL Draft big board ranked Watts as the third-best safety but placed him No. 67 overall, projecting him as a third-round pick.

However, ESPN’s Steve Muench believes Watts could exceed that ranking.

“He’s at his best breaking on the ball in off-man and zone,” Muench wrote. “Watts reads receivers, gets his eyes on the quarterback, and jumps routes.

“He takes sound angles and limits production after the catch. He’s an instinctive and disciplined run defender. He reacts quickly, beats blockers to the point of attack, and fills gaps as a run defender.”