Should New York Jets Draft Record-Breaking Texas WR Xavier Worthy?
It is one of the biggest intrigues with each passing NFL Scouting Combine: will there be a prospect who can etch his name in the history books with the fastest 40-yard dash of all time?
Seven years after John Ross broke the record once held by Chris Johnson (4.24 seconds) with a 4.22 40-yard dash, Worthy officially set a new bar at 4.21. To make things even more dramatic, the record was broken on Worthy's second attempt after he had initially run a 4.25.
This now begs the question: Should the New York Jets have a keen interest in the now-former Texas Longhorn receiver?
The Jets' need upfront along the offensive line is well-documented following last season's front five surrendered 48 sacks. But in recent weeks, it has been the receiver position that many have singled out as another potential area of focus despite already having Garrett Wilson.
However, in the spirit of "you can never have too many weapons," which was likely a phrase first used by a quarterback, if New York wants to find a second option alongside Wilson for Aaron Rodgers to use, why not Worthy?
Mar 2, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy (WO40) during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The former Longhorn would bring the blazing speed they hoped they were getting last offseason with the signing of Mecole Hardman, which will not only make Worthy an asset offensively as a receiver but also as a potential punt returner, a duty he took on at Texas.
Unlike the previous record-holder for the forty-yard dash, Worthy enters the draft after three seasons of productivity. The 5-foot-11 receiver totaled 2,755 yards and 26 touchdowns in three seasons at Texas, where played in 39 games.
However, this past season was the best of his career as he recorded 1,014 yards and five touchdowns while also picking up 371 yards and another score as the Longhorns' punt returner.
Worthy seems like the perfect prospect on paper, but as we all know, that is never the case. For everything Worthy brings in speed, he may lack strength, as his 165-pound frame is very similar to current Philadelphia Eagles' receiver DeVonta Smith. But unlike Smith, Worthy's hands, or at least their consistency, also appear to be a question mark as he had 15 drops in three seasons, according to Pro Football Focus.
Combine the good and the bad, Worthy has been listed as a top-50 prospect in the draft by NFL.com's well-respected analyst Daniel Jeremiah, who had him ranked at No. 43.
So, where exactly does Worthy slot in projections-wise for the draft? At least coming into the Combine, the Longhorns receiver was a late first or early second-round pick.
Now that may change, considering Ross turned out to be the No. 8 overall pick after setting the forty-yard dash record, but as of right now, it seems the Jets would be "reaching" if they selected Worthy. Yet, if the Jets decide to trade down or even back into the first round, Worthy could make sense as their selection to pair with Wilson on the outside.
