Xavier Worthy NFL Draft Overview
Only one word you need to describe the former Texas Longhorn Xavier Worthy. Speed. The former 4-star top 100 recruit had tremendous hype before stepping on the Austin field and living up to it. Immediately, Worthy made an impact, breaking Longhorn freshman records, including 62 catches, 981 yards, and 12 TDS. Worthy was second-team All-Big 12 as a sophomore with 60 catches, 760 yards, and nine touchdowns. In 2023, Worthy ended his decorated career with a stellar junior season, amassing 75 catches, 1014 yards, and five tds. A worthy display of incredible speed, playmaking ability, and route running will make him a valuable commodity. However, is it a first-round pick? Let’s dig into the film!
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6’1 (Unofficial)
Weight: 172 lbs (Unofficial)
Age: 20 years old
School: Texas
Xavier Worthy Player Evaluation
Worthy’s Strengths
- True Elite NFL Speed. He will be an immediate major vertical threat that must be accounted for in every play.
- He’s a fantastic playmaker with the ball in his hands. He has elite short-area quickness, and twitch allows him to make plays after the catch or in the return game—All-American all-purpose player.
- Good route runner with the talent to refine route running even more.
- Good ball-tracking skills and keeps up speed when going after the ball. Can re-accelerate after catch
- He has significant slot potential and could be his best position on the field in the NFL. Not afraid of the middle of the field
- Should be your punt and kick returner. He has a great combination of electric speed, toughness, play-making ability, and particular sudden movement to be an elite contributor.
Worthy’s Weakness
- A major flaw with a skinny, wiry, small frame. He gets bullied in press. Some plays might not get off the line.
- He needs to gain the size to play consistently outside.
- Injury risk
- Has too many drops for a player of his talent.
- Better concentration is needed because that’s all it is.
Projection: Mid-Second Round Pick
NFL Comparison: Ted Ginn Jr
Best Fits: Kanas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and the Atlanta Falcons
Bottom Line
Xavier Worthy is the true definition of generational speed. From running a 10.55 PR in 100mm as a sophomore to consistently blowing past opposing DBS his entire college career, he is elite. Worthy is a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands from all areas of the field and in the return game. He also runs crisp routes and brings slot value, which would keep him safe from playing too much outside Wide Receiver.
My NFL Pro Comparison for Worthy is Ted Ginn Jr. Like Ginn Jr, Worthy has blazing generational speed that led to college dominance. Also, both are great punt and kick returners and affect every game they play with their dynamic ability. He is a tremendous route runner for their speed archetype, good natural hands, and impressive body control. However, like Ginn, Worthy has flaws that have to be addressed. The small frame and size lead to a significant concern about whether Worthy can play outside regularly and the injury risk. Also, like Ginn, Worthy has a lot of concentration drops trying to make the big play rather than the routine play; even with those concerns, I still hold Worthy in high regard. He’s too dynamic to pass up for too long and will be a force in the NFL.
Main Photo: Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman-USA TODAY NETWORK
