Bucs Move On Antoine Winfield Jr. Partner In NFL Draft Prediction

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have one of the best safeties in the NFL in Antoine Winfield Jr., but their secondary could use a bit of help behind him.

In a recent article by PFF's Mason Cameron, he picks one player that he thinks would be a good fit for every team on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft. For the Bucs, he thinks that they should target Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts to help their defense over the top.

"Watts profiles as the best ball-hawking safety in the nation after securing the most interceptions in college football across the past two seasons," Cameron writes. "He was a staple in Notre Dame’s single-high scheme (89.5 PFF coverage grade) and would free up Antoine Winfield Jr. to play closer to the line of scrimmage, where he excels."

The Buccaneers allowed the fourth-most passing yards in the NFL in 2024, so drafting another safety to go next to Winfield could be in the team's best interests.

Watts finished his senior season at Notre Dame with 82 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and six interceptions, which tied him for second in the country. He was a key part in Notre Dame going 14-2, and was named an All-American as a result.

A playmaker in college? Watts was that.

A playmaker in Tampa Bay? Winfield is that ... and could use a partner.

Winfield tallied 122 total tackles in his last full season in 2023, so putting him closer to the action could be for the best. If the Bucs decide to draft secondary on Day 2, Watts could be a great option.