Making a deal with the Buffalo Bills, the Kansas City Chiefs traded up to select Xavier Worthy with the No. 28 overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
But while the former Texas wide receiver was considered the fastest prospect in this year’s draft — and perhaps NFL history — after running an astonishing 4.21 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, he was considered a fringe first-round prospect.
Perhaps the biggest reason: his size. Despite his blazing speed, Worthy measured at 5-foot-11 and 165 pounds, which would make him one of the smaller players in today’s NFL.
Still, despite his slight stature, Worthy isn’t concerned. Speaking to reporters at the Chiefs’ rookie minicamp, the two-time first-team All-Big 12 selection explained why he doesn’t see his size being a negative at the next level.
“I weighed in at 169 [pounds],” Worthy said, according to Arrowhead Report’s Jordan Foote. “I don’t think I took big hits, I delivered them. I feel like it’s not going to be a problem. I feel like just understanding your strengths and your weaknesses, I feel like that’s the big thing in the league. Don’t, obviously, don’t try to go hit a 250-pound linebacker. Just understanding your strengths, like I said. [DeSean Jackson] came into the league at 169 and understood his strengths, so just using your strengths to your strength.”
To Worthy’s point, his size certainly didn’t stop him from making an impact in his college career, as he totaled 197 receptions for 2,755 yards and 26 touchdowns while appearing in 39 games for the Longhorns over the course of the past three seasons. Time will tell whether his game will translate to the NFL, but if there was one team that can fully unlock his skillset, it figures to be the Chiefs.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.