Xavier Legette is a wide receiver who played at South Carolina. The former Gamecock is expected to be an early second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He is currently No. 22 overall (WR9) on our 2024 Dynasty Rookie Rankings & SuperFlex Big Board and will likely be a second-round pick in fantasy football dynasty rookie drafts.
Check out our Fantasy Stock Watch for our 2024 Rookie Draft Profiles and Scouting Reports.
XAVIER LEGETTE DRAFT PROFILE AND NFL COMBINE RESULTS
- As a High School Prospect: Composite 3-Star, 706th nationally (ATH39)
- Skillset & Traits: Xavier Legette boasts NFL-ready freak measurables with anticipated speed in the 4.3s, positioning him as an imposing presence on the field. As a big-bodied possession receiver, he excels at making tough contested catches and demonstrates elite vertical speed reminiscent of DK Metcalf, allowing him to stretch the field effectively. Legette’s rapid acceleration lets him turn short and intermediate receptions into explosive plays, leaving defenders in his wake. Utilizing his sizable frame, he adeptly boxes out defensive backs on jump balls and maintains strong, consistent hands, evidenced by his impressive 2% drop rate. Despite not breaking out until his fifth season of college football, Legette’s impact was undeniable, highlighted by his 73 receptions for over 1,200 yards in that season, a stark contrast to his previous total of 42 receptions over 41 games.
- Production: Legette finished his five-year career with 113 receptions for 1,678 yards and 12 touchdowns.
- NFL Combine Results: Height: 6’1″ Weight: 221 lbs Arm: 31 7/8″ Hand: 9″
XAVIER LEGETTE SCOUTING REPORT
STRENGTHS:
- Freak measurables, likely running in the 4.3s while standing at 6-3, 227 lbs
- Big-bodied possession receiver who makes tough contested catches
- Elite vertical speed for his size (22.3 MPH)
- Can take a shallow crosser or slant to the house with crazy acceleration to blow by defenders
- Uses his large frame to box out DBs on jump balls
- Strong, consistent hands with 2% drop rate
- Did he hit his ceiling with his late breakout age?
WEAKNESSES:
- Alarming one season of college production as a fifth-year senior
- Before 73 rec in his fifth season, he had a total of 42 receptions over 41 games
- How will he look against physical NFL cornerbacks?
XAVIER LEGETTE PRODUCTION PROFILE
I’m not one to put all my eggs in the “breakout age” advanced statistic. I don’t necessarily buy into how much it truly impacts a player’s career and/or dynasty outlook, but Legette has a frightening career profile.
After four full seasons, Legette emerged as a highly decorated player, garnering accolades after an exceptional senior season where he solidified his status as one of the nation’s top receivers. His outstanding performance earned him recognition as a third-team All-American, first-team All-SEC, and the Senior Bowl All-American Team.
Throughout his Super Senior season, Legette showcased his talent and consistency, starting all 12 games and leading the team with 73 receptions for 1,255 yards and seven receiving touchdowns. His contributions were pivotal, finishing with the fifth-most receptions in a single season and outpaced his teammates with his receiving yardage, marking the second-highest single-season total in school history.
With exceptional speed and playmaking ability, Legette’s impact on the field was undeniable, making him a top prospect for fantasy football enthusiasts looking for a dynamic receiver with game-changing potential.
However, for a player known as a freak athlete, it’s concerning that it took him until his fifth year and 22-year-old season to dominate. Not only did Legette not dominate through his first 20 starts and 41 games through his first four seasons, but he did next to nothing.
As a true freshman, he had nine receptions for 30 yards and a score over the span of three starts in 11 appearances. Then, he recorded seven receptions for 113 yards over six games and six starts as a sophomore. Even as a junior, he had only eight receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown throughout four starts in 11 appearances. As a true senior, he still only recorded 18 receptions for 167 yards and three touchdowns in seven games started throughout 13 appearances.
Through those first four years, Legette was given a chance to showcase his skill set, but he was unable to move the needle. Let’s hope the former Gamecock was a late-bloomer rather than a player who took advantage of the COVID year to dominate younger and weaker players.
There’s a chance he can be the next DK Metcalf, who never truly broke out at Ole Miss but had all the physical tools to succeed in the NFL.
XAVIER LEGETTE NFL COMBINE & RELATIVE ATHLETIC SCORE (RAS)
BOTTOM LINE
Xavier Legette’s transition to the NFL at the age of 23, coupled with his status as a one-year wonder, raises concerns about his potential longevity and impact in the NFL. While his combination of size and speed presents an enticing package, the lack of consistent production throughout his collegiate career cannot be overlooked, prompting scrutiny from scouts and analysts alike.
Comparisons to established freakshows like D.K. Metcalf and AJ Brown are inevitable, given Legette’s imposing physique and athletic prowess. Yet, his raw talent suggests a need for further development and refinement. Nevertheless, his unique blend of size, reliable hands, and ability to consistently make plays from anywhere on the field makes him a compelling prospect, drawing interest from teams seeking a dynamic offensive weapon.
Legette’s breakout performance in his final year with the Gamecocks, where he put up 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns on 71 receptions, is a testament to his potential to thrive in the league. Despite his delayed emergence, his impact was undeniable, which makes him a polarizing dynasty prospect with massive upside.
Are you buying Xavier Legette’s massive upside?
