Xavier Legette, a promising wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers, is determined to shift the narrative surrounding his performance as he enters his second season. It’s hard not to be charmed by Legette’s infectious Southern drawl and big smile. Now, he’s prepared to take on the burdens of a tumultuous rookie debut loaded with growing pains. The 2023 season might be his best opportunity to redefine himself and his place on the team’s future. This is his chance to show he’s worth it, having come through the NFL’s initial rough waters.
During his rookie season, Legette recorded eight drops on 81 targets, a concerning 14% drop rate that ranked third-highest in the league among players with at least 75 targets. These drops weighed heavy on his mind, causing him to press and think too much about the drop to reflect in his play. Those were the worst of the ones, the bad ones,” Legette confided. He discovered that the psychological part of the game affected him. In his words, “It was just something I wasn’t supposed to do.
In an impressive show of self-awareness and accountability, Legette has made a conscious effort to work on his catching technique this offseason. He worked a lot in creating separation with his hands instead of his body. His real commitment is to taking better shots. I think he wants to be known for making the big plays, not the guy whose name comes up under the headlines of dropped passes.
Legette’s journey took an unexpected turn during the Panthers’ first preseason game when he was ejected for fighting. This incident only served to fuel his determination. He realizes that as a high draft choice—32nd overall in 2023—there are certain pressures placed on him and expectations people have of him. He’s the big high draft pick! They’re gonna go at him,” Legette yelled. He understood that a titanic burden accompanies such a vital role.
Through all of the aforementioned adversity, Legette takes everything in stride with a child-like joy. His thick Southern drawl indeed makes even the most mundane updates at team meetings entertaining. Last season, the team’s veteran teammate Adam Thielen playfully assumed the role of translator while adding, “No one knows what he’s saying besides me.” Legette embraces this aspect of his personality, often making jokes about it while focusing on honing his skills on the field.
In joint practices against the Houston Texans, Legette showcased his potential with a double-move touchdown catch in tight coverage against cornerback Jaylin Smith. This play showcased not only his athletic jump but his blossoming confidence to score. As he prepares for the upcoming season, he emphasizes the importance of details in improving his game. “I want to gain trust as a pass catcher.” He talked about his ambitions to show the world that the Panthers made the right decision by trading up and taking him in the draft.
Legette envisions a future where he is known for making impactful plays that resonate with fans and teammates alike. He just hopes those grand slam moments will be contagious. He’s looking to motivate the rest of the team to lift their game as well.
Just as the Panthers prepare to challenge for another Sun Belt crown, finding their next weapon is critical, and for Xavier Legette, this is a career-defining moment. He prioritizes progress over perfection and resolves to enjoy life. His intent is to use those failures as building blocks towards greater success. His infectious personality and drive to excel could make him a valuable asset for the Panthers as they aim for victory in the 2023 season.
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