Just when it looked like Xavier Legette was about to fall into the 2nd round of the 2024 NFL draft, the Carolina Panthers traded up to pick #32 and selected the star receiver from South Carolina. Legette and his family were obviously ecstatic as were Panther and Gamecock Nation.

The Panthers are getting an athletic wide receiver with good size who will help to provide Bryce Young with a go-to weapon for years to come. As high as his upside is, what are realistic expectations for Legette in his first season with the Panthers?

The Panthers had the 32nd ranked passing offense in the league a season ago, so it is no surprise that the focal point of the offseason was bolstering the offensive line and providing Bryce Young with more weapons on the offensive side. Dionte Johnson and Adam Thielen will likely be the top 2 targets for Young, but Legette will compete with Jonathan Mingo and Terrace Marshall Jr. for targets as the team’s likely 3rd option.

Ithink Mingo and Marshall both have the advantage over Legette at this point due to their experience in the NFL, despite Legette having a much higher upside than either one. I believe this may limit his targets and overall impact on the offensive side of the ball early on.

This is not a bad thing, though. Legette will need time to develop in the NFL similar to how he needed time to develop at USC. Not being rushed into a position he is not ready for will allow him the time to maximize his potential. 

I think similar to his utilization early at USC, Legette could see action on special teams due to his 4.39 speed and proven ability in this facet of the game. This could be a great way for him to impact the game while he continues to develop his game to the level needed to see the field more on the offensive side.

All of that said, at the end of the day, Legette is still a tremendous athlete who the Panthers used a first round pick on (and traded up for). So, I don’t think his role will strictly be special teams. Due to his speed and unique ability to high point the football, he may be the best down-field threat on the roster. Given that Young should have more time in the pocket for intermediate to deep routes to develop, I think Xavier can and will make his greatest impact on offense down the field. 

Legette will need time to refine his route running skills, so I don’t expect him to be an every-down receiver right away. As dysfunctional as the Panthers were a season ago, I think this is actually a great landing spot for him. Carolina is close to home, has a young QB in need of a young, talented WR to develop with, and he gets to play behind seasoned veterans like Thielen and Johnson who excel at route running. 

That’s why I believe his long-term development will be in good hands as he will get time to learn the ins and outs of the position from experienced players ahead of him. His athleticism will allow him to see the field on special teams as well as on offense as a deep threat where his ability to high-point the football will be on full display. 

At the end of the season, I believe Legette will have a stat line around 40-50 receptions, 500-600 yards and 3 TDs. For a rookie, that is not bad at all. Let’s not forget that the Panthers ultimately have seemingly endless question marks on offense including the o-line (which should be worlds better), QB, and playcalling. Until these 3 areas prove themselves, I’m choosing to stay on the conservative side for expectations for Xavier Legette