The drops started during his rookie NFL season. On-field lapses plagued his sophomore campaign. Will Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette begin losing snaps during Year 3?
Playing time will be earned, Panthers coach Dave Canales explained.
A 2024 first-round draft choice, the first of general manager Dan Morgan’s tenure, Legette has yet to develop into a consistent, downfield threat.
Lapses, like the one he experienced during a Week 2 mental meltdown last season against the Arizona Cardinals. Nearing the final minute of the first half, the Panthers secured a would-be first down and quarterback Bryce Young hurriedly called for a quick snap. Legette, meanwhile, strolled back to the line of scrimmage. When Legette finally lined up, officials overturned the catch attempt. The Panthers were forced to punt and the Cardinals’ no-huddle offense scored to take a 20-3 lead.
As eventual rookie of the year, Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker surpassed Legette on the depth chart last season. NFL insiders continue to question whether Legette can hold onto a projected WR3 role.
Panthers’ Xavier Legette facing important OTA workouts
The Panthers’ wide receiver room could be getting crowded. With third-round draft pick Chris Brazzell II and free-agent John Metchie added to the 91-man offseason roster, Legette may have to fight for his snaps.
Brazzell stood out with his speed and athleticism during the rookie minicamp earlier this month. His third-round draft status was cemented by coach Dave Canales calling him one of his “favorite” players in last April’s draft.
Metchie, whose 1,100 receiving yards at Alabama in 2021 helped Young win the Heisman Trophy, adds an interesting and familiar mix to the receiving room. Can Young help Metchie play up to his college potential in the NFL?
Legette collected 35 catches on 64 targets last season.
Canales continued backing Legette.
“I believe in Xavier,” Canales said last season. “This is a guy that I truly believe (in) because of the way he’s wired, the way that he works at it, the way he continues to train.”
The Panthers on Tuesday open offseason training activities (OTAs) at the practice fields behind Bank of America Stadium.
It’ll prove to be Legette’s first chance to see where he fits into the crowded wide receiver room.
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