Xavier Worthy has seen his value take a boost after an incredible performance at the combine. Is he on the Dolphins' radar?
Worthy is a 5'11" 165lb wide receiver coming out of the University of Texas where he had a productive junior year corralling 75 passes for 1,014 yards and 5 touchdowns. Worthy has seen a jolt in the excitement around him as a player due to a stellar combine that rated him with an "Athleticism Score" of 98. He broke the record for the 40-yard dash at the combine running a 4.21. Combine that with a 41" vertical, and he has started to turn some heads, with many believing he will sneak into the first round.
Could Worthy's slender frame give teams pause about selecting him in the first round?
While much of the chatter has been about his elite speed, and rightfully so, there have been some questions about whether he can hold up through the grind of an NFL season. He has been compared to Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill, but Hill plays around 185lbs, which is nearly 20lbs heavier than Worthy.
A more apt comparison may be Devonta Smith of the Eagles. He stands at 6ft 170lbs. Many people had concerns with his frame as well, as two receivers came off the board before Smith was taken following a historic Heisman campaign. All he's done since then is put up back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons after 900 yards his rookie year. Also, for what it's worth, he has only missed one game in his career.
Throughout Worthy's career, he has suffered two injuries, a broken finger, and an ankle sprain. Neither of those seems to be caused by a slender frame. I wouldn't worry about his size. Smaller receivers also have a knack for staying untouched, I'm looking at you, Tyler Lockett.
Next: Xavier Worthy's Strengths and Weaknesses
Xavier Worthy's Speed Could Add Another Weapon in the Miami Passing Attack
Strengths:
- His unmatched speed allows him to get up on DBs allowing him to break his routes for big separation or run right by them to get open deep.
- While not a technician, his speed and shiftiness make him a good route runner; similar to Tyreek Hill.
- Plays a lot tougher than his size may suggest. He is not afraid to put his head down and fight for yards
- Shifty in space and is rarely tackled by the first defender
- Great vision to find openings in the screen game and great balance on the sidelines on screens.
- Hands improved quite a bit this season.
- He has an elite mentality. He is a dog. He always wants the ball and is ultra competitive.
Weaknesses:
- His frame may cause issues against bigger press corners if he plays on the outside
- Lacks physicality in most aspects of his game.
- Had some drops through his career, but as I said, he improved in 2023.
- Will fumble on occasion
- He is a willing run blocker at times, but he will never be a "good" run blocker.
Next: Prospect Summary and Grade
Xavier Worthy Prospect Grade
The way I grade a prospect is a combination of his size for the position, his athletic profile, and his strengths and weaknesses. I will take positional value into consideration as well.
100 - Perfect Prospect Guaranteed Hall of Fame
99-95 Perennial All Pro.
94-90 Pro Bowler and considered top 5 in your position.
89-80 Good quality starter in the top 10-15 at your position.
79-75 Low end starter.
74-70 Great back up/borderline starter
69-60 Back up
Prospect Grade: 83
Xavier Worthy actually reminded me quite a bit of Tyreek Hill on film. Not the seasoned veteran Tyreek, but a more raw, physically gifted Tyreek. He has the elite speed and agility that can see him excel in the right offense. From the games in 2023, I watched, his hands did not concern me. He ran through tackles at times and even trucked a safety into the end zone. He will never be elite on contested catches, but I thought he was adequate. He shines on deep routes, comebacks, and screens. He has great vision to hit a crease and get loose on screens. His comeback routes are very similar to Tyreek's, and obviously, with his speed, he is a deep ball threat every play. He is a player that needs to be in a system that understands his talents and how to effectively use him. On a team like the Patriots, he will make much less of an impact than he would on the Dolphins for example. He has boom or bust potential depending on where he is selected, but doesn't everyone?
Next: How does Xavier Worthy fit in Miami?
Xavier Worthy is an elite WR3 option with potential to take over for Tyreek when he's gone.
Worthy would offer plenty as a 3rd option in the Dolphins offense, though his numbers may not be explosive right away. He would add another dangerous weapon, and spread defenses thin to cover all of the speed demons for the Dolphins.
He is capable of being an underneath threat on slants and drags or opening up the rest of the field as he stretches the defense vertically. He also offers value as a return man should Miami use him in that role. While Miami still may need a big receiver, I like the idea of having three burners for defenses to stress over.
The most exciting thought of drafting Worthy is the long-term planning of Tyreek's departure. He probably has 2-3 years left in Miami, but the Dolphins will still need someone with elite speed to keep the offense afloat. Waddle can fill that role, but so could Worthy. Going from a 1-2-3 punch of Hill, Waddle, and Worthy to a 1-2 punch of Waddle and Worthy would make Tyreek's absence more seamless as Miami thinks about the future.
Next: Breakdown of Xavier Worthy's Game Film and Final Thoughts
Breaking Down Xavier Worthy's Game Film: Is He More Than Just Fast?
When breaking down the film for Worthy, there were some things that jumped off the screen and specific plays that sold me on the idea of drafting him.
Against Alabama, Worthy went for 75 yards on 5 catches and a score. He had some really good releases off the line in this game and was able to split the defense and get open deep multiple times. He did drop a TD on a wide-open out route (the Tyreek comparison felt apt at that moment). He made up for it though by torching All-American Caleb Downs for a 45-yard TD on a deep corner route. He also caught a pass on 3rd and 4, took a shot short of the sticks, and fought through two tacklers to pick up the first down. D.A.W.G.
Against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, he played well. Accruing 194 yards on 14 catches in those games. His speed was on full display with a handful of big gains on screens, One of which ended emphatically when he lowered the boom on a safety that was standing at the goal line. Against Oklahoma, it was much of the same, but he also had a few tough catches on slants that he hauled in, again showing his toughness and competitiveness.
Final Thoughts on Xavier Worthy
Look, I was completely against taking this guy in round 1. I thought it would be a wasted pick. However, the more films I watch, I am looking for someone who will contribute and be a game-changer right away with that pick. The way the board may fall, there may be fewer and fewer of those players left at 21. Worthy fits that bill
He has a Tyreek-level speed and bursts in the open field. I think Tyreek is actually a pretty good comparison for him, though before I broke down the film I thought it was lazy because they're both just fast. Worthy's routes are similar to Hill's where they are not super crisp or technical, but the change of direction and immense speed forces DBs on their heels and gives them a chance to break off the route.
I expected to see many more drops, I only saw two in the games I studied. He played with toughness more than I expected and was not afraid of contact. His size is a concern, but that would not stop me. Mike McDaniel has proven he covets speed, and who better to learn from for a couple of years than Tyreek Hill? If the Dolphins have the chance to select Xavier Worthy, they are one of few teams in the league that I think can make him a star. I still may prefer Jackson Powers Johnson, but Worthy is a worthy addition to the Dolphins' draft wish list.
Oh, and be on the lookout for another one of these articles in the coming days. Worthy had a teammate who stood out more to me on film than he did, and he just might be available in round 2. Stay tuned.
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