As the NFL draft approaches, players are under the spotlight more than ever, with scouts, analysts, and fans all speculating about who will rise to the occasion. One name that has recently gained traction in the 2025 NFL Draft conversation is Xavier Watts from Notre Dame. Once considered a relative unknown, Watts’ draft stock has soared in recent mock drafts, but the sudden rise begs the question: Is this surge of hype truly warranted, or is it the result of a media-driven narrative?

The Media’s Influence: A Dangerous Trend

Xavier Watts, a standout defensive back for Notre Dame, has displayed some impressive skills over the course of his college career, especially his knack for creating turnovers and his leadership on the field. But to elevate him to the ranks of top-tier NFL prospects after a single standout season risks distorting the overall evaluation process.

This is where the controversy lies: the media’s tendency to elevate players quickly based on a couple of good performances or positive headlines. Recent mock drafts have placed Watts in the early rounds, and while this may seem like a success story for a player who has worked hard, the rapid rise begs the question: Are scouts genuinely seeing future NFL talent, or are they simply jumping on the bandwagon? With media hype often influencing perceptions and fueling draft stock, it’s crucial to differentiate between true potential and inflated expectations.

A One-Season Wonder?

There’s an uncomfortable reality that many NFL hopefuls must face: some players are often hyped up after a single great season, leading to unrealistic expectations for their professional careers. Watts’ performance this year has been solid, but is it enough to justify his newfound draft buzz? Critics argue that his consistency over the years still leaves room for doubt, with some pointing to lapses in his coverage skills and occasional struggles against higher-level competition. Given that the NFL is known for its grueling pace and constant pressure, it’s possible that his success in college may not translate seamlessly into professional play.

Moreover, while his interception count is impressive, turnovers can often be a result of good fortune or opportunistic plays. This raises concerns about whether Watts’ success is sustainable against more refined and prepared NFL offenses. The trend of overhyping players based on a few fortunate situations is nothing new, and Watts’ sudden rise could be another instance of the NFL draft machine falling victim to its own desire for excitement and drama.

Is He Really a First-Round Talent?

Some analysts have placed Watts in the first round of upcoming mock drafts, which is a bold prediction for a player whose game still needs significant refinement. Yes, his physical attributes and raw potential are undeniable, but does he possess the necessary polish to compete at the highest level right away? Many first-round prospects come with years of proven excellence, with tape showcasing their ability to perform against elite opponents week in and week out. Watts, however, still has a lot to prove when it comes to consistently locking down high-level receivers and covering in various defensive schemes.

Furthermore, there are other players in this draft class who have consistently demonstrated more advanced skills and better overall development. Watts’ rise through the rankings could be seen as a result of recency bias—a product of his stellar recent performances combined with the media’s hunger for fresh faces. But when examining the draft from a critical perspective, it’s clear that Watts may not yet be on the same level as other players considered first-round material.

The Danger of Undervaluing Other Talent

The sudden focus on Watts has led to a concerning shift in the conversation surrounding other draft prospects. Some fans and analysts are now questioning whether Watts is truly deserving of the hype, which risks overshadowing more established, consistent players who have flown under the radar. Players who have consistently produced over multiple seasons may not be getting the recognition they deserve, simply because the spotlight has been diverted to a relatively untested prospect who has yet to prove himself on the national stage.

This is not to say that Xavier Watts isn’t a promising player—he clearly has potential. However, the rapid rise in his draft stock may simply be a reflection of the hype cycle rather than his genuine readiness to take on the challenges of the NFL. The danger here is that teams might overlook safer, more established options in favor of betting on a high-risk, high-reward player, leading to a misallocation of resources.

Conclusion: Time Will Tell

Xavier Watts may very well have a future in the NFL, but whether he is a first-round pick or not remains to be seen. The controversy surrounding his draft stock is rooted in the tension between genuine talent evaluation and the media’s tendency to create narratives around a select few. It’s essential for scouts and teams to remain grounded and evaluate players objectively rather than get caught up in the whirlwind of hype. The real question is whether Watts can prove that his rise is more than just the result of a fleeting spotlight, or if he will become another case of a player whose hype exceeded his actual draft worth.

For now, the jury is still out on Xavier Watts, but one thing is certain: the conversation surrounding him is far from over. Whether his draft stock remains high or takes a hit in the coming months will depend on how well he can translate his college success into pro-level performance—without the crutch of media narratives swaying perceptions.