The Kansas City Chiefs identified wide receiver Xavier Worthy as their target in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft and traded up with the Buffalo Bills to select the Texas product.
Worthy suffered a hamstring injury during minicamp, limiting his on-field snaps with the team in practices. Regardless, the 21-year-old wideout is ready to show his potential during training camp.
“I definitely feel like there’s no time to ease in, I mean, it’s all go,” Worthy said during comments to the media this week. “Once you’re here, you’re here. I understand what Pat’s saying and just to build that connection with him is going to be key here.”
The rookie also understands that off-field preparation is important for his on-field performance. Later in the press conference, Worthy made it clear that he is doing his best to understand Andy Reid’s notoriously complex offense.
“[I am] just understanding the plays and why it’s ran and how he [Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy] wants to run the alignments. Understanding all the bits and pieces about the playbook, so I can come in and not miss a beat,” Worthy continued. “It’s a different thing running the plays, but I feel like it’s harder to learn the mental part. So, when you learn the mental part outside of the game, I feel like it’s much easier to come in and do it.”
Patrick Mahomes is looking for improvement in Kansas City’s offense this season, particularly from its receiving corps. With Worthy in the mix, the Chiefs’ pass-catchers seem poised for a bounce-back performance in 2024.