|
|
Xavier Legette Scouting Report
By Charlie Campbell
Strengths:
- Dangerous playmaker downfield
- Good speed; can stretch a defense vertically
- Dominant size
- Always open because of his size
- Playmaker; threat to score from anywhere on the field
- Impressive body control
- Tracks the ball well
- Very good along the sideline
- Skilled at making contested catches over defensive backs
- Big target
- Leaping ability
- Physical with corners
- Attacks the football
- Red-zone weapon
- Presents a size mismatch
- Can run away from defensive backs
- Enough quickness to get separation
- Third-down weapon
- Gets yards after catch
- Nice fit for a West Coast offense
- Scheme versatility
- Upside
Weaknesses:
- Raw
- Needs development in route-running
- One-year wonder
Prospect Summary:
Legette was one of the SEC’s breakout playmakers in 2023, catching 71 passes for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns. It was a huge increase in production compared to 2022 (18-167-3) and 2021 (8-63-1). Legette was a starter in many games during those previous seasons, but everything clicked for him as a super-senior and he was the No. 1 receiver for Spencer Rattler.
For the NFL, Legette has surprising speed for a big receiver. With his height and strength, Legette is a red-zone weapon who provides a size mismatch for the NFL. However, he retains enough speed to generate separation downfield and a surprising burst to run away from the defense. Legette can run well to work on defenses vertically and threaten them at all levels. He is a long-strider with a second gear and can explode in the open field, displaying sheer speed to out-race defenders. That ability will be diminished somewhat in the NFL, but there is no doubt that ge has above-average speed for a big wideout.
Entering the next level, Legette has some rawness and could use development in terms of his route-running. He can be a bit linear after the catch. Given Legette’s skill set, it’s surprising that he was not featured more in 2019-2022; he had only 41 catches over those four seasons. Legette is a 1-year wonder, but there his no doubt that he has the skill set of a pro starter.
For the NFL, Legette is a potential starting receiver who has the athletic upside of a No. 1 receiver. Team sources say they think Legette could be a late first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and should not last long if he slips to the second round.
Prospect Comparison:
Breshad Perriman. Legette is reminiscent of Perriman coming out of Central Florida. Perriman (6-2, 215) and Legette are close to the same size and showed good speed for big receivers. Perriman also had some rawness entering the NFL, and that led to him being a late first-rounder. Legette could be a better version of Perriman as a pro.
RELATED LINKS:
2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 23
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
