The 2024 NFL Draft is creeping up, set to begin on April 25. Let’s look at South Carolina’s big-play, deep-threat receiver, Xavier Legette.
Legette was originally a four-star prospect from Mullins High School in South Carolina. He was the 17th-ranked athlete in the nation and, according to 247Sports, ranked third in the state. He entertained an offer from Tennessee before officially committing to the nearby South Carolina Gamecocks in December 2018. Legette experienced more of a slow burn becoming an NFL prospect, as he didn’t gain over 30 targets in a season until 2023.
During that season, Legette would explode onto the scene and demand NFL recognition. He earned Third-Team All-American and First-Team All-SEC honors and finished as a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award. He would start all 12 games in 2023, totaling 71 receptions, 1,255 yards, and seven touchdowns.
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Xavier Legette, Wide Receiver, University of South Carolina
Name: Xavier Legette
Jersey: No. 17
Position: Wide Receiver
School: University of South Carolina
Class: Fifth-Year Senior
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 221 lbs.
A glimpse into what University of South Carolina WR Xavier Legette would take to an NFL offense. Quickness and speed to separate, strong hands, and a second gear after the catch to gain additional yards. pic.twitter.com/vb0lu4VoSw
— Eric Wells (@EWells_NFL) March 24, 2024
Strengths
Legette is a powerful wide receiver and can play both inside and outside. With 4.3 speed, he flashes on film, separating from corners across the field and deep. When the ball is in the air, Legette brings it down consistently, posting just a 2.7 percent drop rate in 2023. Another positive of his 220-pound frame is his ability to block on the edge with no problem.
Weaknesses
Legette’s route running leaves a lot to be desired. Corners don’t fall for his antics on underneath or intermediate routes and his short-area agility and quickness are also not the best. The first guy to Legette can make the tackle more often than you’d like, and this could be tied into his body control, as he’s a stiffer mover on the field.
Pro Comparison: Deebo Samuel
There is an interesting connection between Samuel and Legette. Both played at USC, are from the state of South Carolina, and were recruits of former head coach Will Muschamp. Legette arrived in South Carolina immediately after Samuel departed for the NFL, seemingly to be his replacement. Muschamp, however, was out as head coach in 2020, leaving us to wonder how much Legette would’ve been used in the same manner.
Both have a bruising style of play to their game, along with solid hands and deep speed. Their bigger builds give them the confidence to catch the ball across the middle and deter defenders from wanting to give them big hits. They’re both extremely willing to get out there and block for their teammates, and Legette will earn a role by this attribute.
Draft Projection: Late Second Round
With size, hands, and speed, several teams will be interested in the ceiling Xavier Legette has. In the second half of the second round, teams like the Giants, Patriots, Chiefs, and Steelers could use a player with his current expertise. These landing spots could also develop him into a more all-around receiver for years two and beyond.
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