Xavier Worthy contributed significantly to the Big 12 title victory. The wide receiver also emerged as a top draft prospect after a record-breaking performance in the NFL Scouting Combine.
Worthy captured the attention of football enthusiasts and professionals when he shattered the 40-yard dash record, clocking an astonishing 4.21 seconds. However, it wasn’t just the scouts and fans who took notice. Instead, it was the Super Bowl-winning quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, who reached out to Worthy by altering the young player’s draft aspirations.
Patrick Mahomes reaches out to Xavier Worthy
Patrick Mahomes extended a meaningful text to Xavier Worthy following his extraordinary feat in the Combine. This gesture held significant weight for the talented wide receiver, influencing his preferences for the upcoming NFL draft. Worthy expressed his admiration for Mahomes and the Chiefs’ dynamic playing style during an interview with Tyler Dragon of USA Today. He even cited the Chiefs as his ideal landing spot.
“In a perfect world, I definitely would want to go to the Chiefs. Just the way Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs improvise and use you,” he said.
The Texas Longhorns star highlighted the Chiefs’ ability to improvise and effectively utilize their receivers, emphasizing the successful utilization of Tyreek Hill. He drew parallels between Hill’s explosive style and his own while envisioning a perfect fit with the Chiefs.
“They had [wide receiver] Tyreek Hill. The way they used him, I feel like that would be a perfect fit for me.”
The 40-yard dash not only propelled Worthy into the national spotlight but also prompted accolades from various quarters. Before reaching out the potential top draft prospect, Mahomes took to social media to praise his remarkable achievement.
The synergy between Mahomes and Worthy seems promising, with the quarterback’s knack for extending plays and delivering pinpoint passes aligning perfectly with Worthy’s speed and agility. The prospect of Mahomes connecting with Worthy in the Chiefs’ high-octane offense undoubtedly excites fans.
After Hill left for the Miami Dolphins, the Chiefs’ receiving corps has faced challenges, making Worthy’s potential addition even more appealing. Teams looking to draft the wide receiver now may face a huge challenge in their endeavor to do so.
Analysts believe Xavier Worthy to land in Chiefs
ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay sees the Chiefs as a logical fit for Worthy, citing the team’s need for a speedy playmaker to complement their offensive arsenal. He envisioned the young star filling a crucial role in the Chiefs’ O-line.
“The one that makes the most sense to me and kind of fits what they would try to do, Kansas City has spent so much on their defense and getting that right in the last couple of drafts and we’ve seen the results,” he said.
McShay highlighted the Chiefs struggling offense and said Worthy can alleviate their offensive woes.
“Now you’ve got [Marquez] Valdes-Scantling, he’s gone, no longer with the team. Kadarius Toney, nightmare, so we need a burner. Then Rashee Rice, we hit on that pick, right? He’s a YAC guy, yards after catch, let’s get him the ball in the quick game. They need somebody to get down the field, vertical.”
Worthy boasts impressive stats with 62 receptions for 981 yards and 12 touchdowns. While initial projections placed him within the top 50 picks, some analysts like PFN’s Ian Cummings see him as a potential first-round steal. PFN’s James Fragoza even predicts that the Chiefs may make a strategic move up to the No. 27 spot to secure Worthy.
The anticipation is building for the 2024 NFL Draft in Michigan from Apr. 25-27. It remains to be seen if the Chiefs can make a game-changing move for Xavier Worthy.
