Xavier Legette, the former South Carolina wideout, faced some challenges during the Panthers’ rookie minicamp. The timing was off between Legette and quarterbacks Jack Plummer and Sean Chambers, resulting in incomplete passes. Panthers coach Dave Canales acknowledged the difficulty of keeping up with Legette’s size and speed, noting that his explosiveness out of breaks was something the quarterbacks had to adjust to. However, Canales expressed confidence that the chemistry would improve in future practices.
Legette, weighing in at 6-1 and 221 pounds, understands that the real work begins when he can start working with second-year quarterback Bryce Young during OTAs. Due to NFL and NFLPA rules, Legette was unable to connect with Young before the minicamp. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic that once everyone is in the building on Monday, they will be able to get everything on track.
Before the draft, Legette dedicated himself to improving his route-running skills. While he possessed the desirable combination of size and speed, there were concerns about his ability to drop his hips and quickly change direction on routes like comebacks, curls, and choice routes. Legette acknowledged the criticism but was determined to prove his detractors wrong. He drew inspiration from DK Metcalf, who faced similar doubts due to his size but has since become a successful receiver in the league.
Canales, who was previously with Metcalf in Seattle, compared Legette to the 6-4 receiver, highlighting their shared physical traits and athleticism. South Carolina coach Shane Beamer also spoke highly of Legette’s size, which impressed several NFL general managers and coaches at the Senior Bowl. Canales was particularly impressed by Legette’s body control and movement skills, noting how well he carries his weight.
Although Legette didn’t make much of an impact during his first four seasons with the Gamecocks, he had a breakout year in 2023. He finished with impressive stats, including 71 receptions for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns. Despite his success, some teams and draft analysts believed that his route-running needed improvement. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler noted that Legette excelled at vertical routes but struggled against tight man coverage. However, Legette emphasized his versatility and ability to run any route in the route tree.
Overall, Legette’s journey from the rookie minicamp to his pre-draft training showcases his determination to overcome weaknesses and prove himself as a well-rounded receiver. With the guidance of the Panthers’ coaching staff and the opportunity to work with Bryce Young, Legette is poised to continue developing his skills and making an impact on the field.