Who is Kansas City draft pick Xavier Worthy, comparisons, college records

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The Kansas City Chiefs captured the headlines on Friday on the NFL Draft when they decided to trade up with the Buffalo Bills for Xavier Worthy.

Brett Veach and the front office decided not to hang about at #32 on Day 1 and secured the fastest man in the Draft.

We all know he set the fastest NFL Combine dash time of 4.21 seconds, so what more is there to know about the highly-rated prospect?

Position

Xavier Worthy is a Texas rookie wide receiver who is now a dynamic weapon for three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes.

The 21-year-old joins the speedy receiving core of Marquise Brown, Rashee Rice, Skyy Moore, and Kadarius Toney. Speed is king in Missouri and the Chiefs have an additional target to look for downfield.

Draft pick number

The Chiefs decided to execute a trade with their AFC rival the Buffalo Bills. The move raised eyebrows as the Bills needed a wide receiver of their own.

Quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tackles were the crux of the picks in the opening round, and the Chiefs felt forced to move up to secure Worthy at #28.

Combine results

You would have to be living under a rock to not know Worthy stole the show in Indianapolis by posting a 4.21 40-yard dash time at the Combine.

The Texas Longhorn prospect had the best athleticism score (98) of any wide receiver in his class.

In addition, Worthy had the 5^th best production score at the Combine (81).

Overall, he headed into the NFL Draft having posted the 3^rd best combined wide receiver score (88).

Worthy did not partake in the 30-year cone drill, 20-yard shuttle, or the bench press.

Comparisons

The NFL has compared Worthy to the Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell. Dell was on course for a stellar rookie year in 2023, registering 709 yards by Week 13. However, his season came crashing down after he was diagnosed with a fractured fibula, ruling him out for the rest of the season.

Both players share blistering pace which allows them to generate separation downfield. The Chiefs will be very satisfied with their selection if Worthy can produce a similar season to Dell, minus the injury.

Strengths

Worthy’s acceleration made him a stand-out project in the Draft. He will be a nightmare for opposing defensive backs and will have no trouble finding space downfield. Moreover, he can be a threat in the slot and down the sideline.

Worthy could produce frightening yards after the catch figures and will be the biggest threat in the league if he can break tackles. His agility allows him to run post corner and whip routes with ease, giving Andy Reid more options on offense.

College record

Worthy was dressed in college accolades with the Texas Longhorns. He broke the freshman university records of most receiving yards (981) and touchdowns (12).

As a result, Pro Football Focus awarded the receiver with true-freshman All-American status. Surprisingly, Worthy regressed in 2022 producing just 760 yards and nine touchdowns.

Nonetheless, he bounced back in 2023 breaking the 1,000-yard barrier. He chose to forgo his senior year and enter the NFL Draft in 2024.

Prospects/prediction

Many fans and analysts have made the exciting prediction the Chiefs have found their next Tyreek Hill.

CBS reporter Jordan Dajani believes Worthy with be an instrumental factor for the Chiefs’ three-peat aspirations and has the ‘X-factor’ talent to guide them to a third successive Super Bowl ring.