Report: Ravens 'Expected' to Host Draft Combine Star Xavier Worthy on Top 30 Visit
The new hero of the 40 could hear his name called at No. 30.
Per Bleacher Report and The Draft Network's Ryan Fowler, the Baltimore Ravens are expected to use a Top 30 visit on Texas receiver Xavier Worthy, the newest breakout star of the NFL Scouting Combine.
Worthy wowed observers, including Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta, in Indianapolis with a 4.21 posting in the 40-yard dash, besting the event's previous record set by future Cincinnati Bengal John Ross in 2017.
A top 30 visit allows teams to invite as many as 30 players to their facilities to work out and familiarize themselves with coaching and medical staffs. Teams were originally allowed to invite 20 prospects before an adjustment in 2006.
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Worthy proved himself worthy of first-round consideration and then some long before his literal dash to glory. An early entrant, Worthy earned Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors previously attained by potential future teammate Justice Hill as well as stars from abroad like Adrian Peterson, Jamaal Charles, and Baker Mayfield. Worthy also earned first-team All-Big 12 honors, repeating the feat his past season with a career-best 1,014 yards on 75 receptions.
Baltimore will look to keep reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson surrounded with talented weapons and the likelihood of taking a receiver will only increase if free-agent-to-be Odell Beckham Jr. moves on.
"Worthy’s draft slotting could come down to draft-room debates weighing his elite speed versus his thin frame," NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote in a scouting report, comparing Worthy to current Chicago Bear Darnell Mooney. "Worthy will find separation if allowed to explore vertically or across the hashes against man coverage, but he lacks play strength and release quickness to defeat a quality NFL press. His quick-strike potential adds an element of danger over the top and should open wider windows for teammates to work into."
"He lacks the physical tools to catch when contested and needs to prove he can hold up to a more physical brand of football. Worthy is a niche prospect for teams looking to add a legit field-stretcher, but areas of concern could create a wider gap between ceiling and floor."
The 2024 NFL Draft will be held on April 25-27 in Detroit.
