Although it's not a glaring need, will the Miami Dolphins zero in on a speedy wide receiver during the NFL Draft on Thursday night?
The Palm Beach Post's Joe Schad and Sports Illustrated's Albert's Breer suggested the Dolphins could draft Texas Longhorns WR Xavier Worthy with the 21st pick to succeed 30-year-old Tyreek Hill. Schad noted Miami is unsure whether the eight-time Pro Bowler will retire after his 10th season in 2025.
OFFICIAL: 4.21
— NFL (@NFL) March 2, 2024
XAVIER WORTHY HOLDS THE NEW 40-YARD DASH RECORD pic.twitter.com/IrXf3WyemB
Worthy would add something Miami head coach Mike McDaniel covets: blazing speed. At the scouting combine, the 20-year-old broke the 40-yard dash record (4.21). Per The Sporting News' Edward Sutelan, the Dolphins' skill players (Hill, WR Jaylen Waddle, RB De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert) average a 40-yard dash time of 4.33.
"More importantly, imagine how frightening facing all those offensive players at the same time would be for an opposing defensive coordinator," wrote Schad. "And imagine how creative McDaniel could get."
According to Pro Football Focus, Worthy had five drops in 14 games in 2023. Aside from that, he was productive, catching 75 passes for 1,014 yards and five touchdowns. Under offensive wizard McDaniel, he could become an effective weapon.
However, Miami should prioritize improving its defense. Last season, the Dolphins finished 22nd in the NFL in points allowed (23.2).
Defensive Tackle Christian Wilkins — who was third on the team in sacks last season (nine in 17 games) — signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency (four years, $110M). In ESPN's NFL Nation first-round predictions, Marcel Louis-Jacques has the Dolphins taking Illinois DT Jer'Zhan Newton to replace Wilkins.
#Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel met Texas WR Xavier Worthy today at his Pro Day. The look on his face says it all…
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 20, 2024
Worthy broke the NFL Combine 40-yard dash record with a 4.21.
( @HankSouth247) pic.twitter.com/nU0AfN4GaF
Still, don't be surprised if the Dolphins take Worthy. Per the 33rd Team's Ari Meirov, McDaniel attended his pro day in March. Apparently, he liked what he saw.
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