The Carolina Panthers traded their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to acquire the first overall pick last year, leaving them without a first-round selection this year. Consequently, they will make their first pick in the second round at No. 33. While it remains uncertain who the Panthers will choose, South Carolina wide receiver Xavier Legette believes he could be the one.
Legette has had several meetings with the Panthers and is confident that they will select him if he is still available at No. 33. With his impressive performance last season, catching 71 passes for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns, Legette is one of the most exciting wide receiver prospects in this draft class.
Currently ranked as the 12th-best wide receiver and No. 53 overall prospect by Pro Football Focus, Legette is projected to be a mid-to-late second-round pick. However, if the Panthers, who also have the No. 39 pick, want to secure Legette, they may select him at No. 33.
By adding Legette to their roster, the Panthers would strengthen their wide receiver group, which already includes Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen. This trio of talented receivers would reduce the pressure on quarterback Bryce Young to perform better than his previous season, where he threw only 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 16 games.
There is a chance that Legette could be picked in the first round if other teams share the Panthers’ high opinion of him. But even if he falls to the second round, he would have the opportunity to start his NFL career close to home.
