South Carolina football wide receiver Xavier Legette was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the 32nd pick of the NFL Draft. This pick followed a draft day trade where the Buffalo Bills acquired the final pick of the 1st round from the Kansas City Chiefs and then traded it to the Panthers.
You can watch Legette and his family’s reaction to being selected by the hometown Panthers here.
While Buffalo Bills fans expressed discontent over trading back from picks that became Xavier Worth and Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers fans are thrilled with how things unfolded for their team. Additionally, those in the football world also praised the selection.
My lord did Bryce Young need this. Xavier Legette is going to be a monster for Carolina @GarnetNCocky pic.twitter.com/B9MA8ZQadX
— Josh Yourish (@JYourish3) April 26, 2024
The Panthers land Xavier Legette, who has an incredible combination of power, explosion, speed and run after catch.
He was a big play waiting to happen last season.
A huge boost for Bryce Young and the Carolina offense. pic.twitter.com/0Hi4Efhrty
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 26, 2024
The positive reception to Legette’s selection doesn’t come as a surprise to South Carolina football fans. #17 showcased his dynamic skills as one of college football’s most exciting players last season, tallying 1255 yards in 12 games despite missing about a game and a half due to minor injuries. His impressive speed (4.39 40-yard dash), leaping ability (40″ vertical), and YAC potential (220 pounds) give Legette the versatility to excel in any role the Panthers need him to play.
Legette is known for his high-effort approach and willingness to do whatever it takes to secure victories for his team. At South Carolina, he stood out as an elite special teams player, highlighted by a kickoff return touchdown against Texas A&M in 2022. He was also a standout gunner on kick coverage units, consistently making impactful tackles and pinning opponents deep in their own territory.
As a native of Mullins, South Carolina, Legette is poised to quickly become a fan favorite with the Panthers, especially given the strong overlap in fandom between the Carolina Panthers and the South Carolina Gamecocks. His distinctive southern accent will fit right in, and his infectious personality, passion for football, and on-field production are sure to elevate him to stardom in no time.
