Chiefs: A Tale of Two Xaviers

David Bell

Laddie’s article yesterday included Xavier Worthy, the speedy UT WR, and I had mocked Worthy as a worthy choice many times of late. So let me start this with him. Review that article here: “Chiefs: With the 32nd Pick in the Draft…”

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Xavier Worthy, JR – UT WR

Xavier Worthy, Jr – game photo – UT Athletics photo credit

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Attributes

• He set the fastest Scouting Combine 40-yard record at 4.21 sec
• great ball-tracking skill
• good route runner
• good hands
• great feet – puts moves on DBs that get separation
• Always a TD threat

Note: the attributes make Worthy a candidate for the NFL draft, Round One.

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Detriments

Yes, there are some, but the most glaring exposure is ‘Body Mass’.

Worthy has a small, narrow frame, and low body mass. (Tyreek Hill was similar but outweighed Worthy 185 to 172 though Worthy is 6’1″ so he has good length) while Ty is 5’10”. I think the reason why NFL teams are going to be shy about drafting Worthy in round 1 is due to body mass. That could bode well for Brett Veach being able to make that selection.

Daniel Harms did a review of Worthy and you should tune this RGR player review in soon. The Title is: “an’s review is titled: “Xavier Worthy is the THREAT the Chiefs Need! NFL Draft Film Room”. See it here:

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Convince yourself by watching Worthy’s 2023 highlight video, here:

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Both videos tell a lot of the story. I like what I saw from the highlight video before I watched the player review by Dan Harms. If Worthy were available at pick 32, I’d draft him.But there are other WRs that are worthy of a look by Veach. Laddie listed Ladd McConkey as being the pick 32 range. I could see him as a Chiefs WR easily.

Worthy does have the size outlier question. Hill had that baggage too, along with personal behavior problems that affected his draft status. I don’t find the latter problems in Worthy’s credential list.

List of Limitations for Worthy by PFR:

• Frame is extremely light and lean, which can limit viability in contested situations.
• Lacks elite hand strength, as passes can be jarred loose by contact with the ground.
• Doesn’t have the strength or physicality to fight for positioning versus close coverage.
• With his lighter frame, he naturally lacks elite contact balance after the catch.

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That’s a lot of detail work and I have yet to review all the UT game film that is available. Recall that I try to review as many game films as possible for players on my “to draft” List — as I did in 2016 for CJ. That effort will be forthcoming before the draft as I am sure Worthy will be on my list.

But there is another Xavier and he will very likely drop to pick 32 or lower.

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Xavier Legette, SC WR

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Leggette breaks free – Adam Walker, Jr photo credit

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Legette’s Measurables

• Height: 6’1″
• he weigh in at 221 lbs (honestly doesn’t look like he weighs 221 pounds
• recorded 40 time at the combine – 4.39 sec
• Hands: 9
• Arm length: 31 7/8
• Wing Span: 77 2/3″

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For a man weighing in as 210+,his 40 time is outstanding. For me? Legette is a body mass outlier on the opposite end of the spectrum. Like Worthy, who needs an eating plan in order to gain muscle mass, Legette will need a specific eating plan to ensure he doesn’t add weight as he ages. If you don’t follow Brett Kollmann on Twitter, you should, even though he’s paid by the Chargers, he shares a knowledgable outlook:

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There is a determination to succeed in Legette’s personal history including the death of both parents. His football career was put on hold due to the Covid virus, and much more. His breakout season was his fifth year with SC racking up 1,255 receiving yards.

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Detriments, Listed by PFR

• One year of production
• Explosion on releases doesn’t carry over to screen game
• Although slow to take down, doesn’t break as many tackles as you’d like

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Laddie’s influence was the reason I began looking at Legette. Here is Legette’s 2023 highlight video:

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Six of One?

At this point, my second choice is Legette. I still like Worthy as my choice at pick 32. The Chiefs desperately need the top end speed that both provide, however, I think Worthy provides the highlight reel WR who gets the deep ball connection with QB Patrick Mahomes and in my view, Worthy will bring that to the table in his Rookie season. Either would bring that dynamism to the table. As in Laddies article, I also like McConkey but I am not sure that he should be a round one draft pick.

Do you like either/or of either Xavier?

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David Bell — ArrowheadOne

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