Xavier Legette was ranked as a 3-star recruit by ESPN when he left high school and signed with South Carolina, where he only saw marginal work for his first four seasons – only a combined 42 receptions along with a handful of kick returns. He remained as a fifth-year senior and enjoyed a breakout season as the primary receiver for quarterback Spencer Rattler.
Legette went from a little-used depth receiver to catching almost double the amount of passes of any other Gamecock receiver. His seven touchdowns also led the entire team. Had he not played in 2023, Legette lacked the draft value with such a sparse resume. After posting 1,255 yards last year, he’s now expected to be taken on Day 2 with a chance of sneaking into the end of the first round. Most draft boards list him as being between the sixth and tenth rated wide receiver.
Height: 6-1
Weight: 221 pounds
40 time: 4.39 seconds
He’s a size and speed mismatch that always plays well in the NFL. Legette is a very solid 6-1 and 221 pounds, and yet ran a 4.39 40-time at the NFL Combine, one of only eight receivers that clocked sub 4.4 40-times. He’s a tick older at 23 years, but doesn’t carry the level of experience that his age may normally suggest.
Table: Xavier Legette NCAA stats (2019-23)
| Year | School | Games | Catch | Yards | Avg. | TD | Rush | Yards | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | South Carolina | 11 | 9 | 80 | 8.9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | South Carolina | 6 | 7 | 113 | 16.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | South Carolina | 11 | 8 | 63 | 7.9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | South Carolina | 13 | 18 | 167 | 9.3 | 3 | 7 | 21 | 0 |
| 2023 | South Carolina | 12 | 71 | 1255 | 17.7 | 7 | 9 | -9 | 0 |
Pros
- Physical attributes tick every box for a prototypical starting wideout in the NFL
- Elite speed-size ratio that makes him a threat all over the field and can control his high-end throttle to distance himself from defenders
- Tremendous hands and catch radius makes him a very friendly target for the quarterback
- Run-after-catch upside with both speed and and influencing the defender with cuts and fakes
- Makes contested catches using his size and strength, and highpoints making use of his height
- Strong hands for ball security during and after the catch
- Good run blocker
Cons
- Considered faster than quick which will be challenged by press coverage in the NFL
- Needs more development and polish after only one season of any note during his five years at South Carolina
- More of a vertical receiver so success will be more scheme-dependent
Fantasy outlook
Xavier Legette rates as a Top-10 talent for wideouts in this draft. That means that he’ll be expensive for his new team and will be selected to quickly develop into a starter. He has all the attributes and measurements of a successful receiver, but he is the rare 23-year-old rookie wideout with just one breakout season to his credit. His speed and size combination will draw plenty of attention and should since he has the promise of being a valuable addition to a vertical passing scheme.
He’s been linked to the Giants in their perpetual quest to land a viable receiver, the Panthers who need help beyond the recently acquired Diontae Johnson, and the Bengals who are likely to move on from Tee Higgins. Cincinnati would be a great spot given the presence of Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase to draw the most attention. Legette may take time to reach his optimal value, but he brings some experience and plenty of potential.