The Kansas City Chiefs made a significant move in the 2024 NFL draft, trading up to the 28th overall pick to select Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy. Worthy, who impressed scouts with a record-setting 40-yard dash time of 4.21 seconds at the scouting combine, embodies the Chiefs’ commitment to adding speed to their roster.
This acquisition follows the signing of veteran wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, known for his speed with a 4.27-second 40-yard dash time. General manager Brett Veach emphasized the importance of speed in today’s game and how it complements the Chiefs’ existing offensive weapons like Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice.
Rice’s future playing time is uncertain following a recent high-speed crash, but the Chiefs remained focused on bolstering their receiving corps after a lackluster performance last season. The selection of Worthy draws parallels to the Chiefs’ previous successful pick, Tyreek Hill, but coach Andy Reid sees Worthy as more akin to former Eagle DeSean Jackson, highlighting his versatility.
Reid expressed optimism about the impact of Worthy and Brown on the Chiefs’ offense, particularly in stretching the field vertically, an area where they’ve struggled since trading Hill. The trade with the Buffalo Bills, bitter rivals in recent years, saw the Chiefs move up four spots, indicating the team’s conviction in Worthy’s potential contributions.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane emphasized making trades based on the best interests of his team, noting that while they couldn’t predict the Chiefs’ exact pick, they focused on their own draft strategy. This trade marks a significant move reminiscent of the Chiefs past bold moves in the draft, including trading up for quarterback Patrick Mahomes in 2017.
The Chiefs’ selection of Xavier Worthy signals their commitment to adding speed and playmaking ability to their offense, aiming to maintain their competitive edge in the NFL. The trade underscores the strategic maneuvering typical of the draft and reflects both teams’ focus on building competitive rosters for the upcoming season.
