‘Be Yourself’: Kyle Hamilton’s Advice to Notre Dame Star Xavier Watts Carries Through NFL Draft Process

The journey to the NFL is not just about physical talent; it’s about mental fortitude, preparation, and the ability to stay grounded during the whirlwind of expectations and evaluations that surround the draft process. For aspiring NFL players, the path to professional football can be filled with uncertainty, pressure, and intense scrutiny. However, one of the most impactful pieces of advice that can guide a player through this challenging journey is simple yet profound: “Be yourself.”

This advice, shared by former Notre Dame standout and current Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton to current Notre Dame player Xavier Watts, has become a cornerstone of Watts’ approach to navigating the complex world of the NFL draft process. In a time when everything can feel like a performance—whether it’s interviews with scouts, on-field drills at the NFL Combine, or team meetings—the wisdom of staying authentic can make all the difference.

Xavier Watts’ Journey to the NFL

Xavier Watts has had a remarkable journey at Notre Dame, evolving into one of the team’s most dynamic and versatile players. The wide receiver-turned-defensive back has made a name for himself as a physical and determined player on defense, showing an impressive work ethic and adaptability. Initially recruited as a wide receiver, Watts shifted to defensive back after his freshman year—a decision that has paid dividends for both him and the Fighting Irish.

This positional change didn’t phase Watts; instead, he embraced the challenge. His athleticism, intelligence, and willingness to learn allowed him to thrive as a defensive back. Whether as a cornerback or safety, Watts has impressed coaches and scouts with his quick reaction time, versatility, and ability to cover a wide range of offensive schemes. Throughout his time at Notre Dame, Watts consistently proved that he could handle the responsibilities of being a playmaker in the defensive backfield.

Watts has certainly turned heads with his performance, but as he now prepares for the next step in his career, the transition to the NFL Draft is full of unknowns. The pressures of training, interviews, team visits, and meeting expectations are overwhelming for any draft prospect, but Watts, like many others, has leaned on his mentors and those who have walked this path before him. One of the most influential figures in his life has been Kyle Hamilton, whose advice and example have made a lasting impact on Watts as he embarks on his NFL journey.

Kyle Hamilton’s Influence

Kyle Hamilton is no stranger to the NFL Draft process. After an outstanding career at Notre Dame, the talented safety was selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. Known for his versatility, intelligence, and ability to cover a wide range of positions in the secondary, Hamilton quickly made his mark in the NFL, becoming a key player for the Ravens.

During his time at Notre Dame, Hamilton was widely regarded as one of the best safeties in the country. His combination of size, speed, and ball-hawking instincts made him a standout player, and many anticipated he would be one of the top picks in the NFL Draft. As a leader on the field, Hamilton was known for his maturity, his football IQ, and his calm demeanor under pressure. After all, it’s one thing to be talented; it’s another to be able to handle the external pressures and expectations of being an elite player.

For Watts, who was still finding his footing in the world of college football at the time, Hamilton became not only a source of advice but also a model of how to approach the draft process and life as a professional football player. What made Hamilton’s guidance particularly valuable was his perspective as someone who had navigated the same hurdles Watts was facing. As a fellow Notre Dame player who had experienced the highs and lows of college football, Hamilton’s insights resonated deeply with Watts, particularly his advice to “be yourself.”

The Power of Authenticity in the NFL Draft Process

The NFL Draft process is unique in that it combines intense physical scrutiny with personal evaluations. The interviews, combine drills, and team visits are all meant to evaluate a player’s ability to handle the pressure, their work ethic, and their fit within a team. For many prospects, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to impress scouts and coaches. This can lead to players putting on a facade, attempting to conform to a certain image or stereotype of what an NFL player should be. This is where the advice to “be yourself” becomes invaluable.

In football, authenticity is essential for long-term success. Coaches, scouts, and executives are looking for players who not only have the skills to perform but who also fit the culture and values of their respective organizations. The draft process is about finding the right fit—both on the field and in the locker room. If a player tries to present themselves as someone they are not, it can backfire.

Kyle Hamilton’s advice to Xavier Watts to “be yourself” was grounded in this reality. By staying authentic and true to his identity, Watts would be able to present himself in the most genuine light possible during the draft process. Rather than worrying about fitting into preconceived notions of what an NFL player is supposed to be, Hamilton encouraged Watts to trust his own talents, work ethic, and character. Being himself, Hamilton knew, would allow Watts to stand out for the right reasons.

Hamilton himself is a prime example of the value of staying true to one’s identity. Throughout his college career, Hamilton was known for his quiet confidence, maturity, and ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations. Even when the spotlight was on him, he never tried to put on a show. Instead, he focused on the fundamentals—his game, his teammates, and his preparation. This approach allowed him to stay grounded as he transitioned into the NFL, where the expectations were even higher.

Xavier Watts Embracing the Process

As Watts worked his way through the grueling preparations for the NFL Draft, he kept Hamilton’s advice in mind. From training for the Combine to the interviews with NFL teams, Watts made a conscious effort to remain authentic to who he was as a player and a person. Whether on the field or in front of scouts, he focused on showcasing his abilities, but he also made sure to stay humble, engaged, and true to his roots.

In his on-field drills and combine performances, Watts impressed with his athleticism and versatility. He showed his natural ability to cover ground and read offenses, exhibiting the same traits that made him a standout at Notre Dame. His fluidity in coverage and knack for disrupting plays highlighted his potential as a versatile defensive back at the next level.

More importantly, Watts remained focused on his preparation and development throughout the draft process. Instead of getting distracted by outside noise or comparisons to other prospects, he leaned into his own unique strengths and attributes. He understood that his ability to stand out would come from being genuine and focused on the things that made him a special player—his work ethic, his drive, and his adaptability on the field.

In interviews with NFL teams, Watts kept Hamilton’s advice close to his heart. He didn’t try to be someone he wasn’t; instead, he leaned into his natural confidence and honesty. Watts spoke openly about his journey, his work ethic, and his readiness to contribute to an NFL team. His authenticity resonated with the teams he spoke with, showing that he was not only prepared for the challenges of professional football but also ready to handle the responsibilities of being part of an NFL team.

The Impact of Kyle Hamilton’s Guidance

As Watts moves through the final stages of the draft process, the advice Kyle Hamilton shared with him continues to echo in his mind. Hamilton’s own transition to the NFL has been marked by success, and his ability to stay true to himself is one of the key reasons why he has been able to thrive as a rookie in the NFL. His leadership and mentorship have had a profound effect on Watts, who now approaches the draft process with the same calm, composed, and focused attitude.

For Watts, the advice to “be yourself” has proven to be not just a mantra for handling the draft process but a lesson in how to approach life as a professional athlete. It’s a reminder that success comes from embracing one’s strengths, staying authentic to personal values, and trusting the process. Watts knows that the road to the NFL is not just about the destination—it’s about the journey, and staying true to himself will ensure that he is ready for whatever challenges come his way.

The Power of Authenticity in the NFL

As Xavier Watts moves through the NFL Draft process, the advice he received from Kyle Hamilton will continue to be a guiding force in his career. “Be yourself” is more than just a phrase—it’s a mindset that empowers players to succeed on and off the field by embracing their unique strengths, qualities, and identities.

For Watts, who has worked hard to transition from wide receiver to defensive back and who is now on the brink of entering the NFL, this advice has helped him stay focused, grounded, and confident as he prepares for the next chapter of his career. Just as Hamilton demonstrated throughout his college and professional journey, being authentic is not only the key to surviving the draft process—it’s the key to thriving in the NFL.

In the high-pressure world of professional football, where expectations are sky-high and the spotlight is ever-present, the ability to be oneself remains one of the most powerful tools any player can have. For Watts, staying true to himself will continue to be a critical asset as he takes his talents to the next level, embodying the legacy of the advice that Kyle Hamilton so generously shared with him.