Xavier Worthy doesn't expect his light weight to be a problem
Chiefs rookie Xavier Worthy launched himself into the first-round draft conversation when he ran a sizzling 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Now, the talk is about whether this wispy receiver can survive a pro pounding.
Worthy weighs 169 pounds. He’ll be one of the lightest players in the NFL this season. But the former Texas Longhorn standout isn’t worried about his weight. He made that clear Saturday during a media availability after the Chiefs’ first day of rookie minicamp.
“I don’t think I took big hits, I delivered them,” Worthy told reporters. “I feel like it’s not going to be a problem. (And) I feel like just understanding your strengths and your weaknesses, I feel like that’s the big thing in the league. Don’t, obviously, don’t try to go hit a 250-pound linebacker. Just understanding your strengths, like I said.”
Worthy’s strength at Texas was hitting warp speed as he ran away from chasing defensive backs.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Worthy reminds him of ex-Eagle
Chiefs coach Andy Reid said that Worthy reminds him of DeSean Jackson, who he coached with the Eagles. Jackson played at about 175 pounds. And during his time in the NFL, he was one of the best, big-play receivers in the game. He averaged 17.6 yards per catch during his career from 2008-22. He also was an ace returner.
“D-Jack came into the league at 169 and understood his strengths,” Worthy said. “So just using your strengths to your strength.”
Worthy said he has studied film of Jackson and Tavon Austin to pick up tips on how a small guy can beat a much bigger defender. He likes what he saw of Jackson.
Top 10
- 1Hot
Kirk Herbstreit
Shot fired at First Take, Stephen A. Smith
- 2New
Ohio State vs. Oregon odds
Early Rose Bowl line released
- 3
Updated CFP Bracket
Quarterfinal matchups set
- 4Trending
Paul Finebaum
ESPN host rips CFP amid blowout
- 5
Klatt blasts Kiffin
Ole Miss HC called out for tweets
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
“Just his punt return and his ability to make a play after the catch,” Worthy said. “And how he understood the leverage for deep routes, I feel like he had really good leverage. I think he has the record for longest touchdown, so just his ability to understand leverage on deep routes.”
Worthy ran a 4.21-second time in the 40-yard dash two months ago in Indianapolis. He broke the combine record, owned by John Ross, by .01. Worthy said he’d like to play this season at about 175. He also knows that a defender can’t hit him if he can’t catch him.
The Chiefs social media team shared a clip of Worthy wearing his new uniform and running some routes. The caption — “speedy speedy speedy.”
The Chiefs selected Worthy with the 28th pick of the draft. Receivers dominated the first round. There were three chosen amongst the top 10 — Marvin Harrison Jr, Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze. Then the Jaguars started another run when they selected LSU’s Brian Thomas at No. 23. Worthy was the fifth — and fastest — receiver off the board. The first round ended with Ricky Pearsall and Xavier Legette going back-to-back.