FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons defensive backs Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr. bring unique experience to their roles, having both started their college careers as wide receivers before transitioning to defense.
Watts began at the University of Notre Dame as a wide receiver in 2020 but switched to defense in 2021. Bowman signed with the University of Oklahoma in 2021 as both a defensive back and wide receiver but chose to focus solely on defense upon arrival.
Drafted by the Falcons in the third and fourth rounds respectively, Watts is now positioned as a safety while Bowman plays nickel. Their past experience on offense is seen as an advantage by coaches across various departments.
“Well, it’s cool, being able to see the game from the other side and understand how one side is trying to attack the other,” said Falcons wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard. “I think it brings a little bit more detail, more opportunities in certain situations. And it helps when you can cross-learn that way.”
During his collegiate career, Watts recorded 13 interceptions between 2023-24, leading the FBS with seven interceptions as a junior and ranking second with six as a senior. Bowman’s record includes 11 interceptions from 2022-24, leading the Big 12 with six during his junior year.
“To get into double digits, you got to be special,” noted Falcons secondary coach Justin Hood. “It’s extremely stuff. I don’t care what level of football you play. … It’s not only the ability to catch it. It’s the ability to put themselves in position and understand how the offense is attacking them to go make plays.”
Watts averaged 21 yards per interception return throughout his college years, while Bowman averaged 22.8 yards per return.
Bowman notably scored three pick-sixes in 2023, leading the FBS that year with returns against Brigham Young University (100 yards), Texas Christian University (45 yards), and Iowa State University (44 yards). In contrast, Watts had one pick-six against USC last year for a touchdown over a distance of 100 yards.
“The background at receiver,” commented Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich about Watts’ skills, “not only does he have the awareness and instinct to trigger and get the ball, but he’s got the actual ball skills to make it count and finish.”
Both players retained lessons from their offensive experiences related to catching and scoring once they became full-time defenders—a transition where turnovers are highly valued.
“Well, shoot,” added Hood regarding this emphasis on defense strategies: “I don’t know if I’ve ever coached on a defense that didn’t emphasize taking the ball away.”
