NFL Combine: Eagles meet with speedy Texas WR who grew up idolizing DeSean Jackson

The Eagles will be in the market for a third wide receiver this offseason and may be able to find one in the NFL draft.

There’s no shortage of receiving talent in the upcoming draft class — from Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. to LSU’s Malik Nabers to Texas’ Adonai Mitchell, it’s a good year to need a pass-catcher.

Mitchell’s Texas teammate, Xavier Worthy, could be a potential target in the second round. Worthy, who measures 5-11, 165 pounds, grew up idolizing one of the Eagles’ all-time greats and has reportedly met with Philadelphia during the NFL Combine.

#Texas WR Xavier Worthy told me his favorite wide receiver growing up and his idol was Desean Jackson.

Says he has met with several teams, including the #Eagles at the NFL combine. He believes what separates him is his ability to stop on a dime coupled with his speed. pic.twitter.com/WwPZ66aFqE

— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) March 1, 2024

“I feel like a lot of receivers with my speed don’t have the ability to stop [on a dime] how I do,” Worthy told reporters Friday. “When I leave interviews [with teams], I want them to kind of see how smart I am. I feel like I have a really high football IQ, so I want to just leave that impression on them.”

The Eagles have a clear need for a vertical threat alongside their star duo of AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith; Worthy fits that mold and then some.

Xavier Worthy Scouting Report via The Draft Network

Xavier Worthy is an explosive down-the-field threat who has the speed to consistently run past defenders. He uses that speed to set up other elements of hais game. Worthy is versatile in alignment, which allows offensive coordinators to utilize him in multiple ways and allows him to be put in situations to take advantage of matchups and coverage.

Worthy’s speed means he can take screens or end-arounds and convert them into big-play opportunities while also beating off coverage when he is bracketed down the field. Although there may be a limitation to the roles he can play for his offense, he has more than enough physical tools and the skill set to be an impact player in the NFL.

Xavier Worthy sets new NFL Combine record with 4.21 40-yard dash

OFFICIAL: 4.21

XAVIER WORTHY HOLDS THE NEW 40-YARD DASH RECORD pic.twitter.com/IrXf3WyemB

— NFL (@NFL) March 2, 2024

In three years at Texas, Worthy recorded 197 receptions for 2,755 yards and 26 TDs, using his explosiveness and quick acceleration to get behind defenders. Worthy doesn’t just possess Tyreek Hill-esque speed — he knows how to use it.

That skill alone will make him an impact player at the NFL level, hopefully while catching passes from Jalen Hurts.

>> Read More: Eagles release 2x All-Pro safety, free up $13M in cap space

There goes that man 🤘 pic.twitter.com/zGWdtZHOzZ

— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 17, 2023