Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers WR Xavier Legette puts to bed the main criticism in his game

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Kayanja | Last updated 5/10/24

Coming out of the University of South Carolina, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette revealed that he spent the summer putting to bed the main criticism scouts have had about his game.

Through the pre-draft process, NFL scouts often lauded his size while questioning his route-running ability. Well, as it turns out, the Panthers' No. 32 overall pick has spent the summer working on exactly that hole in the game.

"That was the main point of emphasis," Legette said. "Certain routes, the media was saying I couldn't run, so I just worked on those things a lot. Anything that is coming back out of my break, to where I am dropping my hips, any routes that contains that."

Xavier Legette speaks to the media https://t.co/SGJdOwbJe9
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) May 10, 2024

Legette's top-end speed is known. He is a great 50-50 ball winner, which will make Bryce Young's life easier. However, if he puts his physical skills together with solid route running, defenses may not have an answer for him as a receiver.

During his interview on Friday, Legette also revealed that he has often watched D.K. Metcalf. He is astutely aware that Metcalf garnered the same criticism when he was drafted. Legette feels like he can have similar progression as a route runner at the NFL level. That has to be music to Carolina's ears.

If Legette can put together effective route running with his speed and size, few defensive backs will be able to stop him from getting everywhere he wants on the field. He seems to understand that reality well.

"A lot of folks say a lot of bigger guys can't get in and out of their breaks," Legette said. "I want to show them different."

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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