Several NFL Draft analysts across the league expect the Panthers to use one of their second-round picks on a premier wide receiver prospect like Xavier Legette, Ladd McConkey, or Keon Coleman. The team does not have a first-round pick, meaning they won’t be able to draft an elite prospect like Marvin Harrison Jr or Malik Nabers. That said, this is a deep wide receiver class, so the team has a decent shot of landing a Week 1 starter in the second round.
Mock drafts currently have South Carolina’s Xavier Legette going off the board at the back of the first round or early in the second, which is right when the Panthers are on the clock. During a recent interview, the prospect broke with convention by blatantly announcing that Carolina plans to draft him if he’s available with the 33rd overall pick.
“I’ve met with the Panthers 4 or 5 times… They keep telling me that if I’m sitting at (pick) 33 they’re going to take me.”
South Carolina WR Xavier Legette was not shy about disclosing his relationship with the receiver-needy, local Carolina Panthers.
The interest is real. pic.twitter.com/xB1gZ9PpNE
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) April 22, 2024
Xavier Legette: Panthers Are “Going to Take Me” At Pick 33
As with all draft rumors, we need to start with a disclaimer. Every piece of news that comes out in the buildup to the NFL Draft has some type of agenda behind it. In this case, Xavier Legette has a lot to gain by telling the world that he won’t make it past the Panthers. While Carolina is probably interested in the South Carolina product, Legette’s statement could make another team select him late in the first round. This would benefit Legette, as first-round picks make more money and generally have more guaranteed playing time.
However, for the sake of argument, let’s assume Xavier Legette is telling the truth about the Panthers. The South Carolina product fits a clear need for this organization, as the 6′-1″, 221-pound behemoth of a man knows how to use his size and strength to win contested passes and has the speed to blow past defensive backs in the open field. While there are some genuine concerns about his late breakout age and underwhelming route-running abilities, he has the tools to be a great weapon at the NFL level.
Of course, with this skillset, there is a chance that Xavier Legette doesn’t make it to the Panthers. With receiver-needy teams littered in the back of the first round, several teams could pull the trigger on the talented South Carolina prospect.
Other Possible Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
Rashee Rice might be practicing with Patrick Mahomes, but he’s not going to escape league discipline. With Marquise Brown as the only other reliable receiver on the roster, Kansas City must do something to address the position. Depending on what happens earlier in the first round, Xavier Legette might be the best option on the board, and he could go one pick before the Panthers are on the clock. Andy Reid is the best in the league at scheming players into open space, so Legette’s subpar route running shouldn’t be a concern in this offense.
Buffalo Bills
With Stefon Diggs off the roster, the Buffalo Bills need somebody to step up as the top option in the passing attack. Curtis Samuel, Dalton Kincaid, and Khalil Shakir are all reliable depth options, but Xavier Legette has the potential to be a true force on the outside. The wideout should contribute right out of the gate, and Josh Allen’s rocket arm should pair well with his downfield abilities.
Baltimore Ravens
Odell Beckham isn’t coming back, which means the Ravens will need a new receiver. Unless the Panthers trade up, Baltimore can select Xavier Legette before Carolina gets on the clock. Zay Flowers is a polished route runner and intermediate threat, but this team needs a threatening outside force who can win with size.
Dallas Cowboys
This is probably the earliest Xavier Legette could theoretically go off the board. The Dallas Cowboys need another wide receiver opposite CeeDee Lamb, as Brandin Cooks lost a step last year. It’s hard to see Legette being more than the fifth receiver selected in this class, but if Brian Thomas is already off the board, Dallas could reach a bit for a player with a high ceiling.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are currently behind the Panthers in the second round, but they could trade up for Xavier Legette. Los Angeles desperately needs wide receivers, and all signs point toward Jim Harbaugh selecting an offensive tackle with his first-round pick. Legette is no Malik Nabers, but the South Carolina product could be a more explosive version of Mike Williams. Like Williams, Legette has the size to consistently win downfield, but he offers more after the catch than the longtime Chargers.
Main Photo: Ken Ruinard – USA Today Sports
