Chiefs rookie WR Xavier Worthy shows off speed in first NFL practices
Chiefs rookie WR Xavier Worthy shows off speed in first NFL practices
Chiefs first-round rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy is already impressing his new team.
Worthy showed off his 4.21 40-yard dash speed early and often during rookie minicamp over the weekend. It was evident from his first look posing with the jersey and number he’ll be wearing that he was comfortable running at NFL speed.
In his first action at a practice, Worthy broke out on some routes. His short-area quickness and fluidity in his hips are evident on this drill. This is what gets you open against tight man coverage and creates throwing windows.
He adjusted to an underthrown ball, but still found a way to make the quarterback look good on this route.
So far, so good. It looks like Worthy is going to fit in well. His speed and explosive playmaking ability will be on display more once the full squad is on display. He has big-play ability, as well as the skillset to win in a short-yardage situation with his unreal footwork. Pair him with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid … that spells trouble for the rest of the league.
If you don’t believe what you see, believe what Reid says. Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk recently wrote a story about Reid calling Worthy “a sharp kid.” Reid added that Worthy “was put in most of the primary spots, so it was good for him to be able to get in there and move around a little bit.”
Sounds familiar? It should. Because there was a certain wide receiver people thought his departure would spell the end of the explosiveness of the Chiefs’ offense. Worthy may not exactly fill Tyreek Hill’s shoes, but he will be the closest thing they’ve had since Hill was traded. Add to that he’s a great value on a rookie contract, it allows this team to fill in other areas of need.
How refreshing must it be to see a similar player and draft him to fill the role you lost a player in a couple of seasons ago? Not only that, but they also signed Marquise Brown who’s known for his blazing speed. If they can get the offense back on track with explosive plays and the defense can keep up the momentum they got started last season, this team will be on the path to a third title in a row.