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Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs, Round 1, Pick 28
Xavier Worthy was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 28th pick of Round 1, according to Ian Rapoport after the Chiefs traded with the Buffalo Bills from pick 32.
Fantasy Football Impact for Xavier Worthy Kansas City Chiefs
After setting the NFL Combine record with a blistering 4.21 40-yard dash, Xavier Worthy will join Patrick Mahomes II and the reigning Super Bowl-winning Chiefs. Worthy is known for his speed but is a much more well-rounded receiver that his straight-line speed suggests. He was asked to do a lot after the catch at Texas. His versatility should help him be an immediate contributor at the next level.
Over the last couple of seasons, two-high shell coverage has allowed defenses to take the big plays away from the Chiefs. In response, they've leaned on their run game and short passes to pick defenses apart underneath. But investments in Worthy and free agent Marquise Brown could help the Chiefs add big plays back into their toolbox. Since losing Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs have tried to address their downfield weakness with Skyy Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Kadarius Toney. None have panned out, so the Chiefs doubled down with the dynamic duo of Worthy and Brown this offseason.
Even with an aging Travis Kelce and a possibly-suspended Rashee Rice, this is arguably the best group of pass-catchers Patrick Mahomes II has ever had in his career.
The Fantasy Football Fallout
Travis Kelce is coming off his worst season since 2015. And going into his age-35 season, a bounceback is far from guaranteed. But when healthy last year, he still displayed elite play-making abilities. Rashee Rice, despite a promising rookie season, has a pretty limited skillset. He works best on short and intermediate routes and muscles his way to big plays after the catch. Marquise Brown is well-rounded but does his best work deeper downfield. Xavier Worthy can win at every level. This quartet of pass-catchers coupled with a stout run game resuscitates what appeared to be a wilting offense.
Stock Watch
Risers
Fallers
Overview
Xavier's Worthy's speed and versatility will make an immediate impact on the Chiefs. With Marquise Brown on a one-year deal and Travis Kelce hitting the twilight of his career, Worthy and Rashee Rice's complementary skillsets should set Patrick Mahomes II up for many more years of prowess.
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For more information on the 2024 NFL Draft, check out the Footballguys Rookie Draft Guide, where you can read about Xavier Worthy Kansas City Chiefs and other rookie team fits.
