Dolphins predicted to break the internet with unique WR addition
Since head coach Mike McDaniel took over, the Miami Dolphins offense has revolved around two characteristics: speed and explosiveness.
Miami may already have more speed and explosiveness than any other team in the league, with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, De’Von Achane, and Raheem Mostert, among others. But what if they could add one more item to push this unit over the top?
In his one and only 2024 mock draft, Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team anticipated that the Dolphins would select Texas Longhorns wide receiver Xavier Worthy at No. 21 overall, answering the WR3 need in the blink of an eye. When Worthy is jogging, he could utilize the same expression.
“How fantastic would it be to add Mr. 4.21 to an offense that includes Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De’Von Achane?” Meirov posted on April 22. Would Mike McDaniel be able to resist? I’d want to see that happen only for the internet to crash while attempting to picture it.”
Meirov is referring to Worthy’s 40-yard dash record speed from this year’s NFL combine. He ran a 4.21-second sprint, the fastest by any player in combine history.
“I had the trenches locked in for the Miami Dolphins until the very end,” Meirov wrote. “But then I was convinced to put Xavier Worthy in after floating the notion to some individuals.”
That last bit is critical. Meirov does not appear to be guessing in this prediction. Sure, he had some fun with the “break the internet” comment, but he also consulted with some sources before making the mock draft pick.
And The 33rd Team insider isn’t the only well-connected individual who thinks Worthy is a first-round candidate for Miami.
Dolphins-Xavier Worthy Buzz Picks Up Steam Heading Into NFL Draft
With the draft starting on April 25, speculations and conjecture are at an all-time high, with multiple sources tying Worthy to the Dolphins.
“One name I’ve heard circled for Miami by other teams is Texas WR Xavier Worthy, who would offer even more pace to the offense and possibly give the team an off-ramp with Tyreek Hill over the next year or two,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer said on April 22.
Prominent agent Drew Rosenhaus, who represents numerous Dolphins players, including Hill, highlighted Worthy as a Round 1 selection option for Miami while speaking with Josh Moser on April 22.
“Certainly, in the first round, it wouldn’t surprise me if they chose a receiver, especially if it was a guy they adore,” Rosenhaus said. “Because Mike McDaniel cannot get enough speed.”
“A guy like Worthy, who set the combine record, I wouldn’t be surprised if Mike McDaniel is pounding the table for [Worthy] if he’s on the board at 21,” he said.
Rosenhaus also suggested Duke offensive guard Graham Barton, as well as Florida State and UCLA edge rushers Jared Verse and Laiatu Latu, as potential first-round picks for the Dolphins.
Xavier Worthy Places 31st in Daniel Jeremiah’s Latest Top-50 Draft Ranking
Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network ranked Worthy 31st overall in his fifth top-50 list edit.
“Worthy is ordinary height with a really slender build,” he began. “The 40-yard dash king is tremendously quick and can take the top off the defense. He plays both inside and outside, and he was used in many different ways at Texas, but he excels at double moves, shooting plays, and pure takeoffs.”
Continuing: “Worthy is dynamic off the line and can shift into second and third gear down the field. When asked to work back downhill after a rest, he comes out crispy. His hands have been inconsistent throughout his career, but he was far more dependable this past autumn than he had been previously.”
Finally, Jeremiah stated that “after the catch, he has a jet pack on his back,” adding that “he rockets away from defenders and racks up big plays.”
The draft scout described him as a “taller version of Hollywood Brown,” noting that “you can feel his speed in every game.”
