Although it is not a pressing necessity, will the Miami Dolphins target a quick wide receiver in the NFL Draft on Thursday night?
According to Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post and Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Dolphins could take Texas Longhorns wide receiver Xavier Worthy with the 21st pick to replace Tyreek Hill, who is 30 years old. Schad said Miami is undecided whether the eight-time Pro Bowler will retire after his tenth season in 2025.
Worthy would provide something Miami head coach Mike McDaniel values: blistering speed. At the scouting combine, the 20-year-old smashed the 40-yard sprint record (4.21 seconds). According to The Sporting News’ Edward Sutelan, the Dolphins’ skill players (Hill, WR Jaylen Waddle, RB De’Von Achane, and Raheem Mostert) have an average 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,” Schad stated in an email. “And imagine how creative McDaniel could get.”
According to Pro Football Focus, Worthy dropped five passes in 14 games in 2023. Aside from that, he was highly productive, catching 75 catches for 1,014 yards and five touchdowns. Under the guidance of offensive wizard McDaniel, he may become an effective weapon.
However, Miami should emphasize upgrading its defence. Last season, the Dolphins were 22nd in the NFL in points allowed (23.2).
Defensive Tackle Christian Wilkins, who was third on the club in sacks last season (nine in 17 games), signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency (four years, $110 million). Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN’s NFL Nation predicts the Dolphins will replace Wilkins with Illinois DT Jer’Zhan Newton.
Still, do not be surprised if the Dolphins select Worthy. According to Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team, McDaniel attended his pro day in March. He apparently loved what he saw.
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