Why the Chiefs should target record-breaking WR in NFL Draft

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Xavier Worthy.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ top offseason priority is improving their receiving corps. Targeting a record-breaking wideout in the NFL Draft in April is a smart strategy.

Justin Melo of the Draft Network named Kansas City as a landing spot for Texas’ Xavier Worthy, who broke the 40-yard dash record (4.21) at the scouting combine.

“Drafting Worthy would keep opposing defenses honest,” wrote Melo. “I’d be surprised if the Chiefs drafted Worthy with the No. 32 selection, though. With Chris Jones and L’Jarius Sneed rumored to be staying put, [general manager Brett] Veach can afford to get aggressive with his draft capital due to having few roster needs. Executing a trade-up for Worthy should be within the realm of possibility.”

Kansas City is interested in the 20-year-old. He confirmed the Chiefs interviewed him at the combine. During his final season at Texas, Worthy recorded 75 receptions for 1,014 yards and five TDs in 14 games, helping the Longhorns earn their first College Football Playoff berth. Per NFL.com, he is the third-best WR in the draft class.

The main concern about Worthy is drops, as he had five in 2023. Kansas City needs sure-handed pass-catchers. Per Pro Football Reference, the Chiefs led the league in drops (44) last season.

However, Kansas City’s options in free agency are dwindling. Five-time Pro Bowler Mike Evans and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to a two-year, $52M deal on Monday. Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard recently told the media they plan to extend or franchise tag Michael Pittman Jr., who had the fifth-most receptions (109 in 16 games) in the league last season.

NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah compared Worthy to DeSean Jackson. The former Philadelphia Eagles star thrived in five seasons under Andy Reid, making two Pro Bowls. The young speedster could also flourish under the Chiefs head coach.

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