NFL Analysis
3/3/24
4 min read
Xavier Worthy NFL Draft 2024: Combine Results, Scouting Report for Texas WR
Xavier Worthy has tantalizing speed, but he has numerous things to work on to be a well-rounded receiver and would provide value as a No. 3 wide receiver while he develops those traits.
Xavier Worthy's 2024 NFL Combine Results
- Height: 5'11"
- Weight: 165 lbs
- 40-Time: 4.21 seconds (Combine Record)
- 10-Yard Split: 1.49 seconds
- Vertical: 41 inches
- Broad Jump: 10 feet 11 inches
- 3-Cone: DNP (Did Not Participate)
- Shuttle: DNP (Did Not Participate)
Biggest Strengths:
- Speed
- Vertical Threat
- Explosive Break Potential
Biggest Weaknesses:
- 50-50 Balls
- Effort
- Route-Running Discipline
Xavier Worthy 2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Xavier Worthy’s primary position is X-WR for Texas’ pro-style offense, although he has played all receiver positions, including significant time in the slot. He broke his hand late in the 2022 season and injured his left ankle late in the 2023 season, but neither cost him any games. Worthy has sufficient height and length, but has a slight frame. He has some toned muscle, but could add more to handle the NFL. He’s an explosive athlete with very good deep speed, and he flashes a fantastic ability to explode out of breaks. His acceleration and foot quickness are both NFL-caliber, as well. Playing through a broken hand and an injured ankle are testaments to how much he wants to compete, but when on the field, he will take numerous plays off when he is not likely to be targeted and provides a minimal effort when blocking.
Pass Game:
Worthy’s release ability fluctuates depending on how the defender lines up. His acceleration and foot speed allow him to get around press coverage, but struggles against physical press and is knocked off course without much effort. He provides variation in his releases to keep a defender on his heels, although several have false steps that cost him time. His route tree is a little underdeveloped, and his precision on routes is questionable. Worthy will flash the ability to make cuts on a dime and explode out of them, but usually he rounds his corners and gives half-effort when he won’t be targeted. Despite this, his straight-line speed is electric, and he has the ability to blow past a corner or take the top off of the defense at any time. The majority of his targets came from vertical shots, screens/quick passes, and some on basic routes like curls, but he does his best work down the field. He has good tracking ability and sufficient body control to keep stride down the field. His sideline awareness is a little lacking, and he struggles to win 50-50 balls despite an above-average leaping ability. Worthy’s hands are spotty, dropping far too many passes, and not winning balls he should win. What keeps his hands at a sufficient level are his flashes of high-pointing and overwhelming smaller defensive backs down the field, which can provide highlight-reel catches. Cleaning up his routes, learning to find holes in zone coverage better, and fewer drops would greatly elevate his game.
Run Game:
Worthy is timid and uninterested in blocking. The majority of the time, he gives minimal effort and is man-handled by defensive backs. His ability to get up to speed quickly in the open field, coupled with the ability to make some defenders miss, allow him to be an extension of the run game on screens. Worthy was routinely targeted on quick passes to exploit his dangerous ability and gain easy yards. While he does not have much mass, he is still able to break through arm tackles periodically.
Last Word:
Worthy projects as a No. 3 wide receiver who could start in the slot, or provide a vertical threat out wide when needed. Coordinators could get creative in his touches, utilizing him on jet sweeps or screens to get him the ball. Putting him in a stack or bunch to remove the physical defender and try to blow past him would allow him to thrive more. On third downs, he could play inside or outside, but would likely be more effective in the slot. He has been the primary punt returner for Texas for the last two years and should compete for that job at the next level.
