With the 2023 college football season fast approaching, the top 2024 draft-eligible prospects will come into focus. It also means that analysts will be sharing way-too-early mock drafts as a way to familiarize fans with some of the up-and-coming names in the college game.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid shared his early Round 1 predictions and has the Kansas City Chiefs going a unique route. He has Brett Veach selecting a receiver, despite second-round draft investments in Skyy Moore and Rashee Rice in back-to-back drafts, alongside the trade acquisition of Kadarius Toney.
Here’s why Reid decided to send Texas WR Xavier Worthy to the Chiefs at pick No. 32 in the 2024 NFL draft:
Electing to take the non-pricey route at wide receiver paid off for the Chiefs last season, and drafting a pass-catcher in Round 1 next April makes sense. Worthy would bring an explosive skill set to Kansas City for Patrick Mahomes. He needs to gain mass at 6-foot and 160 pounds, but he plays the game in a different gear. He recorded 12 catches that gained 20 or more yards last season, and I could see him eventually taking over Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s role for the Chiefs.
Worthy first burst onto the scene at the University of Texas in 2021 as a Freshman, catching 62 passes for 981 yards and 12 touchdowns. In just two years, he already ranks third in Longhorns history in touchdown receptions (21). He is an underclassman, heading into his junior season, so there is no guarantee that he declares. One reason he might opt to stay with the Longhorns for his senior campaign is a chance to play with Arch Manning in 2024.
Reid’s reasoning for the selection is sound — the Chiefs have been going the cheap route at the receiver position and succeeding in doing so. I also think an infusion of speed at the position will be needed in 2024 should Marquez Valdes-Scantling not return. Really, the only thing that gives pause with this pick is the substantial investment they’ve made at that position with early-round picks lately.
