FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at South Carolina wide receiver Xavier Legette.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Xavier Legette

Xavier Legette (WR – South Carolina)

6’3” – 227 lbs.

Background:

Given name is Anthony. South Carolina native who played quarterback in high school. Has been with the Gamecocks for the past five seasons, but was more of a minor contributor prior to this season. Caught nine passes in 2019, seven in 2020, eight in 2021, and eighteen in 2022 (five touchdowns and just over 400 yards in total over that span) before breaking out this year. Heading into bowl season, has a 71-1,255-7 (17.7) line. Dealt with injuries in both 2020 and 2021. Also has experience returning kicks.

Positives:

Very big-bodied, rocked-up split end who finally managed to put it all together this year, having an excellent season. Plays as big as he is. Has explosive traits as an athlete. Able to use his size and strength to mix things up in press coverage without getting disrupted. Runs patterns to all three levels of the field. Snaps off routes cleanly at the stem, and doesn’t drift or let defenders back in. Shows the aggressiveness to go up and high-point the ball in traffic, and the team trusted him to make those catches this year. Good leaper with impressive body control. Knows how to use his frame to shield defenders from the ball. Body control near the sideline looks good. Had some issues with drops in the past, but has only dropped two passes this year and 6.6% overall as of the time of writing. Fast enough to create separation on runaways against man, and shows the ability to hit home runs when he finds a lane. Has excellent power with the ball in his hands, showing good competitiveness and the ability to grind out extra yardage after contact. The team also tried to scheme him some touches on reverses and other patterns of that nature. Also has experience in the return game.

Negatives:

A bit older than your typical prospect, and wasn’t really on the map prior to this year. Had several massive games, but some of his biggest games came against relatively weak competition, and had some other quiet outings. Took almost all of his wide snaps from the left side of the formation during the games reviewed, although he did work from the slot on the right side at times. Perhaps not the most flexible prospect in the receiver class this year. Clearly has the frame and strength to be a dominant blocker, but results have been somewhat inconsistent so far.

Summary:

A huge, galloping receiver with excellent power, impressive ball skills, and legitimate home-run-hitting speed when he finds a lane, he’s been one of the biggest surprises of the 2023 season at his position. Rare physical traits could draw some comparisons to players like D.K. Metcalf, and cause him to get consideration in the first round, despite being something of a one-year wonder at the college level.

Projection: Round 1-2