2024 NFL Draft: Xavier Legette gives the Chiefs another physical wideout to consider
With the start of the NFL Draft just hours away, South Carolina WR Xavier Legette has become a popular name to possibly be selected by the Kansas City Chiefs.
It is no secret that the Kansas City Chiefs will be looking to add talent to the wide receiver position in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. This is not the same Xavier that became an NFL combine sensation by setting the 40-yard dash record. The name that has come up in recent days is actually South Carolina WR Xavier Legette.
In a recent interview, Legette stated that he met with the Chiefs both at the NFL combine and individually in a top-30 visit.
The Kansas City Chiefs (No. 32) have also been a popular mock draft landing spot for South Carolina WR Xavier Legette. He says it would be a “great opportunity” to play with QB Patrick Mahomes. Has done a top 30 visit with the Chiefs and also met with them at the combine pic.twitter.com/jffMtUKJFa
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) April 18, 2024
After posting a 4.39 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, Legette projects to be a Round 2 selection by NFL.com. This puts him in the scope of Kansas City's 32nd pick at the end of the 1st round.
The former Gamecock was a fifth-year senior when he became the top receiver for South Carolina. Legette earned 2nd-team All-SEC honors after reeling in 71 receptions for 1,255 yards for an average of 17.7 yards per reception. Not only was he a productive, big-play threat at the wideout position, Legette also hauled in 7 touchdowns.
Chiefs fans have been clamoring for a deep threat who can win jump-ball situations. Legette measures at 6'1 and uses his 40-inch vertical to win matchups routinely. His film is full of contested and full-length extension catches, and his athleticism is the first thing that jumps off of the screen by gaining yards after the catch. His YAC comes in the variety of making moves, breaking tackles, pulling away from defenders, and burning defensive pursuit angles.
Legette is not just limited to being an outside receiver. There were times he lined in the slot position as well. Robert Griffin III vouched for his versatility in a recent post on X (formerly Twitter).
Xavier Legette on the @Chiefs would be a match made in heaven. Andy Reid covets versatility and Leggette played outside and in the slot at @GamecockFB
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 18, 2024
Give Mahomes a guy who can turn a slant into a 60 yard TD and Xavier could be that anchor leg to help them run down a 3 peat. pic.twitter.com/sk5Wk9ErRM
Legette is entering the NFL at the age of 23. Teams often shy away from taking a skill position early in the draft when they are at this age.
The Chiefs drafted Rashee Rice a year ago who had a very similar profile coming out of SMU. He was also the same age but proved to be NFL-ready in his rookie season. Legette may have more speed but lacks an extensive amount of tape to review from his first four years in college. This is why Kansas City seems to have done its homework thus far in the pre-draft process with Legette.
Xavier Legette seems to be a wide receiver who will instantly be a contributor for any team that chooses to add him in the NFL draft. If he becomes the newest weapon for Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, expect the offense in Kansas City to have more fireworks.
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