The Kansas City Chiefs have acquired a dynamic playmaker for their passing attack, selecting Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy with the 28th overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday night. To move up to the coveted slot, the Chiefs parted ways with three picks (No. 32, No. 95, and No. 221) in a trade with the Buffalo Bills. Both quarterback Patrick Mahomes and linebacker Drue Tranquill expressed their excitement about the acquisition on their social media accounts.
The Chiefs, who emerged victorious in their third Super Bowl triumph in five seasons last year, faced challenges with their receiving corps, which led the league in dropped passes (44) during the previous campaign. As a result, Mahomes’ statistics declined, with the two-time MVP throwing 27 touchdowns in 16 games, marking the second-lowest total of his career. Despite signing wide receiver Marquise Brown to a one-year, $7 million contract in free agency, Kansas City recognized the need for additional quality pass-catchers.
Worthy, a 20-year-old receiver, possesses the potential to reignite the Chiefs’ passing attack. During his three seasons with the Texas Longhorns, he amassed 197 receptions, the sixth-highest total in program history, while also accumulating 2,755 receiving yards, which ranks fourth all-time. Furthermore, his 26 touchdown receptions place him third in the program’s record books. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Worthy showcased his exceptional speed by setting a new record in the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.21 seconds.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid expressed his enthusiasm about Worthy’s addition to the team, stating, “It should give Pat another weapon to use.” Despite his relatively light weight, Reid highlighted Worthy’s toughness, which was evident on film. Reid also praised Worthy’s work ethic, describing him as “a tremendous worker.” ESPN draft expert Matt Miller has compared Worthy to former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who made two Pro Bowls under Reid’s leadership as head coach. Given Reid’s proven track record of developing speedy wideouts, Worthy has the opportunity to follow in Jackson’s footsteps and emerge as a standout player for the Chiefs.
