by Justin Melo
NFL Draft 2024
Xavier Worthy's 3 Best NFL Draft Fits
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Xavier Worthy set the all-time NFL Combine record in the 40-yard dash by running an official 4.21. Scouts entered the pre-draft event knowing that Worthy's speed was different, but that result dominated media coverage and conversations.
Worthy is a legitimate receiver prospect who happens to possess track speed. The Fresno, California native runs outstanding routes, changes direction, and gets in and out of his breaks effortlessly. Worthy takes the top off opposing secondaries, but the Longhorn standout also runs nuanced routes in the short-to-intermediate portions of the field. Worthy is a three-level weapon.
Worthy should be selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Game-changing speed doesn't last long on draft weekend and we've swiftly identified Worthy's three ideal team fits.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach must address the wide receiver position this offseason despite winning back-to-back Super Bowls. They've been carried to glory by Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid, and Steve Spagnuolo's defense. Life would actually get easier for Kansas City if they rostered some difference-making wideouts.
Veach recently released Marquez Valdes-Scantling from his contract, creating $12 million in cap savings. Valdes-Scantling was supposed to be Mahomes' premier deep threat, but consistency never emerged in that area. Worthy can profile as somewhat of a like-for-like replacement. Drafting Worthy would keep opposing defenses honest.
I'd be surprised if the Chiefs drafted Worthy with the No. 32 selection, though. With Chris Jones and L'Jarius Sneed rumored to be staying put, Veach can afford to get aggressive with his draft capital due to having few roster needs. Executing a trade-up for Worthy should be within the realm of possibility.
BUFFALO BILLS
The Bills are another franchise that is obviously in the market for a big-time playmaker. Gabe Davis is an unrestricted free agent and won't be re-signing in Buffalo. Say what you will about Davis' inconsistencies, but he averaged an explosive 16.7 yards per reception throughout four campaigns. Replacing that big-play threat is a necessity for Buffalo’s offense to remain on schedule.
There are some young pass-catchers in place, but Dalton Kincaid and Khalil Shakir are most effective when working underneath the coverage. Pairing Worthy with the aging Stefon Diggs would give quarterback Josh Allen two legitimate boundary wideouts. Like the Chiefs, the Bills might need to think about moving up from 28th overall for Worthy.
DALLAS COWBOYS
The Cowboys could take the 24th pick in a few different directions. An offensive lineman to replace Tyron Smith is firmly on the table. Defensive tackle and linebacker are additional needs. Drafting a receiver like Worthy and pairing him with CeeDee Lamb is tempting.
It's a pass-happy league and the Cowboys don't roster a long-term WR2 opposite Lamb. Brandin Cooks is entering his age-31 campaign and will play out the final season of his contract in 2024. Thinking about Cook's successor would be a worthwhile exercise for a Cowboys franchise that must defeat the 49ers and Eagles to reach a Super Bowl. Dak Prescott would take advantage of Worthy's explosive abilities.