FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy.
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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Xavier Worthy
Xavier Worthy (WR – Texas)
6’1” – 172 lbs.
Background:
Four-star recruit who has been starting since the season-opener of his freshman season back in 2021. That season, established himself as a reliable pair of hands for the Longhorns en route to a 62-981-12 (15.8) line. Was used as more of a deep threat the following year and finished with 59-757-8 (12.8) while dealing with a broken hand over the second half of the year. Has had a more efficient junior campaign thus far, with 73-969-5 (13.3) heading into the college football playoffs.
Positives:
Productive three-year starter for a major program, having been asked to do a bit of everything. Typically lines up in split out wide, but has taken more snaps in the slot lately (39.5% this year, 30.6% over his career.) Runs a pretty wide variety of routes, from speed-outs to curls/hitches to screens to double-moves taking him deep. Very fast receiver and long-strider who gets up to top speed quickly, eating up cushions and putting stress on opposing corners. Goes through routes fast, not needing to gear down much at the stem. Flashes detailed footwork and good sink at the stem when he wants to. Sells the double-move well to create opportunities for deep shots downfield. Shows some ability to improvise and create throwing windows when the play breaks down. Very flexible player who adjusts well to off-target throws, showing good body control. Able to bring in throws away from his frame. Has the vision and agility to make defenders miss and break off some bigger chunks on shorter throws; can stop and start on a dime and favors the back-juke. Competes as a blocker. Showed his toughness by playing hurt last year.
Negatives:
Has a very thin frame, and already injured his hand last year, so durability may be a concern. Hasn’t been the most high-percentage option in school. May struggle to release at the line against press coverage at the pro level, and to stay on routes against physical opponents. Can occasionally go through a bit too quickly, with some rounded-off routes and a bit of drift at the stem. Focus drops have been an issue, although it’s possible some of that was due to his hand injury. Struggles to come down with contested catches. Very elusive but doesn’t survive contact well as a runner. May struggle to stay engaged as a blocker at the pro level.
Summary:
A very exciting wide receiver who has some serious speed, flexibility, and agility to his game, allowing him to threaten all three levels of the field, create separation with his routes, and make defenders miss in the open. He’s done a little bit of everything in school, being used in different ways in each of his three seasons with the Longhorns, so versatility should be a major selling point as well. May never be the strongest receiver or the most reliable pair of hands, but should be able to offer teams a dynamic element.
Projection: Round 2
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