Panthers WR Xavier Legette hasn’t exactly lit the NFL up as a rookie. But his rise to relevancy, like many others, will take time.
The main objective of the Carolina Panthers’ 2024 offseason was to build around the quarterback position—from the coaching staff down to the personnel. And one of the most notable additions from that reconstruction was the 32nd overall pick of this year’s draft and a potential long-term partner for Bryce Young, wide receiver Xavier Legette.
Legette made his step into the NFL this past spring as an All-SEC honoree in 2023. The chiseled 6-foot-1, 227-pounder, who ran an impressive 4.39-second 40-yard dash, displayed superb ball skills and explosiveness at the college level—with his major weakness coming as an unrefined separator and route runner.
As for any first-round draft selection, Legette entered the season with high expectations. Some saw him as a potential 1,000-yard receiver from the jump while others saw him as a work in progress. As it turned out, his rookie campaign has leaned towards the latter outcome.
Through 14 games, Legette has just 41 receptions for 439 yards and four touchdowns. While he has flashed occasionally, the production and target share have been inconsistent—even as his role in the Panthers offense expanded after the trade of Diontae Johnson.
Much to the surprise of many, the biggest issue for the 23-year-old has been his hands. Legette racked up a few painful drops in some critical situations—most notably the would-be game-tying touchdown reception in the final minute against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14.
And now, the rest of his season is in doubt. Legette sustained a groin injury in this past Sunday’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys and does not seem likely to suit up this weekend against the Arizona Cardinals.
The way Legette’s first pro season has unraveled is a tad unfortunate. But despite the disappointment, his story is far from over.
Progression and development are not linear, as the Panthers have learned with the emergence of Young. Legette and other rookies on the roster are in the same boat.
Fans can get caught up in the instant gratification of success, and the hype surrounding prospects during the pre-draft process tends to shade away from an understanding of player development. This is similar to what is happening with Legette.
Struggles are part of the process of acclimating to the pro level, no matter what round you’re drafted in. We must practice patience to allow the growth and development to take place.
The drops will sort themselves out. Legette is expected to have offseason surgery on a wrist injury he has been dealing with since the end of his final college season. While it shouldn’t be an excuse for his issues, it does remain a factor.
Legette’s progress in other areas should also be noted. He has improved as a separator and route runner, his primary goal before the season.
He’s still a quality talent with gamebreaking ability. So like this organization’s rebuild as a whole, it’s about developing the right way—not necessarily the quick way.
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