South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Xavier Legette is a big-bodied boundary receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft. Legette exploded onto the scene this past season, totaling 71 receptions for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns. A budding relationship with first-year offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains helped make Legette the focal point of the offense. Legette is a rare blend of height, weight, speed, and athleticism.
Legette sports a dense frame that makes him a dangerous run-after-catch threat. He's an extremely physical route-runner who challenges opposing cornerbacks. Legette's ability to impact the short, intermediate, and deep portions of the field should allow him to be an immediate contributor. We've identified three ideal team fits for Legette in the 2024 NFL Draft.
NEW YORK GIANTS
Giants general manager Joe Schoen can take his first-round selection (No. 6 overall) in multiple directions. An offensive tackle to replace the struggling Evan Neal is an option. Depending on how the board shakes out, a quarterback like Jayden Daniels or J.J. McCarthy could also firmly be on the table.
If the Giants don't address a glaring need at wide receiver in the first, you can earmark Legette as a potential option with the 39th selection in the second round. Brian Daboll's offense regularly highlights receivers who can create opportunities for themselves in space. Legette has outstanding long speed, clocking in at nearly 23 MPH this season. Daboll would quickly get Legette involved in the Giants' struggling offense.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Are the Jaguars going to re-sign Calvin Ridley this offseason? Doing so means they'd have to upgrade the third-rounder they owe the Falcons from their original trade agreement to a second-rounder. That complicates matters. Even if Ridley is retained, better depth will be required at receiver next season to ensure Trevor Lawrence bounces back from a disappointing campaign.
No. 3 receiver Zay Jones is a potential cap casualty. Cash-strapped general manager Trent Baalke would save $8 million against the 2024 cap by designating Jones as a post-June-1 release, according to Spotrac. Is Parker Washington ready to step into Jones' role? I'd like to see competition added to the room. Legette would fill a different role from what Ridley and Christian Kirk currently offer.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Michael Thomas and the Saints are likely headed for an amicable split this offseason. That means general manager Mickey Loomis must find new running mates opposite Chris Olave. The Saints don't have desirable depth at the position. New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak had a spoil of riches as the passing game coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers.
Kubiak would appreciate Legette's ability to run through arm tackles. I tread lightly when making this comparison, but Legette has some Deebo Samuel-like qualities to his game as a ball-carrier in the open field. Kubiak has been tasked with salvaging expensive franchise quarterback Derek Carr after the 2023 season didn't go according to plan in New Orleans. The Saints need to acquire some receivers if Kubiak's offense is to experience a seamless install. I expect Loomis to target a receiver in the second round.
