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NFL Rumors: Xavier Worthy Linked to Dolphins Ahead of 2024 Draft After Record 40 Time

Joseph Zucker

Finally, the Miami Dolphins might pair quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with a dynamic downfield threat.

In his final mock for the 2024 NFL draft, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer projected the Dolphins to take Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu but reported he's "heard Xavier Worthy here."

The Texas wide receiver turned heads at the NFL Scouting Combine when he ran the fastest 40-yard dash (4.21 seconds) on record.

Imagine him joining a receiving corps that already includes Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who both ran sub-4.40 40-yard dashes before the draft.

Because of that depth, Miami would be a great landing spot for Worthy.

During his three years with the Longhorns, the 5'11" wideout didn't make it immediately clear whether he can be a No. 1 option for an NFL team. He finished with 2,755 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns and had just seven games with 100-plus yards.

In his scouting report for Worthy, Bleacher Report's Derrik Klassen made a comparison to the Detroit Lions' Jameson Williams.

"In the NFL, Worthy will be an auxiliary pass-catcher used to stretch the field and stress defenses horizontally at the line of scrimmage," he wrote. "However, given Worthy's lack of size and overall inconsistency (especially with his hands), he has a high-risk, high-reward profile that may not be for everyone."

As the third receiver behind Hill and Waddle, Worthy could thrive because head coach Mike McDaniels would have the freedom to fully play to his on-field strengths.

That the Dolphins are even considering a receiver may hint at some level of planning ahead.

Waddle is a free agent in 2026, while Hill can hit the open market in 2027. Keeping both long-term will probably be cost-prohibitive with how the market is exploding, so it isn't too early to start mapping out a succession plan.

   

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