The Kansas City Chiefs, well-acquainted with this philosophy since their days with Tyreek Hill, have once again put their faith in velocity by selecting Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy with the 28th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Brett Veach, the Chiefs’ general manager, succinctly summarized the decision in just four words: “It’s a speed game.”
The Legacy of Speed, From Tyreek Hill to Xavier Worthy
Speed has been a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs’ strategy since they drafted Tyreek Hill in 2016. Hill’s explosive playmaking ability was a key factor in the team’s offensive success, particularly when paired with star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. However, following Tyreek Hill’s trade to the Miami Dolphins in 2022, the Kansas City Chiefs struggled to find a player who could replicate Hill’s game-changing speed.
Despite winning two consecutive Super Bowls without Hill, the Kansas City Chiefs’ quest for a worthy successor continued. In Worthy, the Chiefs believe they have found their answer. Known for breaking the 40-yard dash record at the NFL Combine with a staggering time of 4.21 seconds, Worthy’s selection was anticipated by many, including NFL.com’s Chad Reuter who noted, “Get Patrick Mahomes as many explosive targets as possible.”
The moment @XavierWorthy became a Kansas City Chief 💛 pic.twitter.com/LD3sFbWFnB
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) April 26, 2024
Xavier Worthy, More Than Just Speed
While speed is Xavier Worthy’s standout feature, it’s not the only aspect of his game. He is also an exceptional route runner with quick feet and the ability to explode on vertical routes. This combination of speed and skill makes him a formidable threat on the field.
Xavier Worthy himself has emphasized his versatility, encouraging scouts to look beyond his speed and consider his proven track record on the field. “My film’s there. I ran every route in the route tree. I got open on every route, and was successful at every route. The film doesn’t lie,” Worthy said, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
A New Hope for the Kansas City Chiefs’ Dynasty
The selection of Xavier Worthy is a clear statement from the Kansas City Chiefs: they are not just looking to replace Tyreek Hill; they are looking to evolve their offense. With Xavier Worthy’s blend of blistering pace and technical route-running, the Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up to add a new dimension to their already potent attack.
Whether this move will cement their status as a dynasty remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the Chiefs are not slowing down in their pursuit of NFL supremacy.
This strategic pick could not only redefine the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive strategy but also signal a shift in how teams prioritize attributes in draft picks, making speed a top criterion for the NFL’s future stars.
Sources: Fansided
