NFL Draft Profile: Wide Receiver Xavier Worthy, Texas
Strengths, weaknesses and a summary of wide receiver Xavier Worthy.
Xavier Worthy
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Texas
Play Style: Speed Receiver
Age: 20
DOB: 4/27/2003
Height: 5'11
Weight: 165 lbs
40-Time: 4.21
FantasySP Position Ranking: 6
Round Projected: 1-2
NFL Comp: Tank Dell
Summary
Worthy wowed everyone at the 2024 NFL Combine when he ran the fastest 40-yard dash ever recorded in just 4.21 seconds. This immediately turned heads and drove up his draft stock. However, at just 165 pounds, his size will inevitably scare some teams off. The success Tank Dell had in 2023, should open some doors for him though.
It will be interesting to see where he falls in the 2024 NFL Draft and if he can creep into the first round on speed alone. With that said, he is actually a better wide receiver than he gets credit for. For whatever reason, we have heard many people discrediting him as wideout, comparing him to the likes of John Ross.
In an offense with another potential early-round pick in Adonai Mitchell, Worthy was clearly the better player and the WR1. If he is able to stay healthy and be durable despite his size, Worthy could become a dangerous weapon in today's NFL where smaller, faster players are beginning to find more success in a less physical league.
Strengths
- Otherworldly speed
- Impressive route-running ability
- Excellent footwork
- Smooth and quick cutting ability
- Explosive in short areas
- Very twitchy
- Good body control and balance
- Tracks the deep ball very well
- Creates space and separation with ease
- Dangerous after the catch if he gets into space
- Outstanding bend and agility
- Proven ability to be the WR1 in an offense
Weaknesses
- Very thin
- Lacks strength to combat physical defensive backs at the line
- Doesn't win many contested catch battles
- Too many concentration drops
- Doesn't always give top effort when not the anticipated target
- Struggles at times to sit in the open space in zone coverage
Our Take
We came away more impressed than expected after watching Worthy's film. He brings a lot more to the table than just speed. His route running is impressive as well and he was clearly the alpha in that offense. His ability against press coverage is alarming but that's nothing that can't be fixed with some creative play calling and pre-snap motion.
The lack of effort on some plays is concerning, however, that seems to be an issue with all the Texas wideouts when you pay close attention to them. That could be a cultural issue in that program that a tougher coach could easily clean up.
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