NFC South: Falcons execute a brilliant draft strategy on Day 2 of NFL Mock Draft
By Beau Adams
![Allstate Sugar Bowl - Texas v Washington Allstate Sugar Bowl - Texas v Washington](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4104,h_2308,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/25/01hk63jw5gm8kgzngk1h.jpg)
WR. Xavier Worthy. Xavier Worthy. Texas. 45. player. Nsmd45. . . 15
The Saints will use the 45th pick in NFLMocks’ Midseason Mock Draft on Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy. The top-performing wideout at Texas shined in the Sugar Bowl and fought hard to send the Longhorns back to Texas for the National Championship; their loss wasn't due to Xavier Worthy.
Xavier Worthy is a bet on exceptional speed and explosiveness rather than size and consistency. His quick-twitch movements off the line of scrimmage allow him to kick into high gear almost immediately; his pace can affect how defenses call their coverages. Worthy is also adept at finishing plays, as he can track the ball downfield while remaining at full speed.
Not only is he an excellent option for screens due to his agility and speed, but his motion capabilities can be challenging for the opposition to keep up with. His top speed makes him a tremendous deep-threat option, and his short-area explosiveness, combined with his route-running skills and ability to transition in and out of breaks, make him a valuable asset to any team.
Despite Worthy only being 21 when he is drafted, it is foreseeable that he will make a significant effect due to his vast experience. He is similar to Zay Flowers and Jameson Williams; both are lean and have explosive capabilities that allow them to get open faster than others. The current NFL systems favor players with this kind of skill set.
This pic of Xavier Worthy in the end zone after Texas' heartbreaking loss.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 2, 2024
📸: @KupfermanPhoto / AP Photo pic.twitter.com/qzwoxY0xgC
Worthy will be a Day 1 starter and a primary target for Derek Carr. He's a great pick at No. 45 to get an offensive asset; New Orleans will receive him well.