Some Thoughts on Legette based upon an ex-scout's ranking him WR1 in the draft

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I did a lot of research on Xavier Legette for the past few weeks, and as some of you know, I was in favor of making him our first pick. I must say that I got tired of going back and forth seemingly every other day about X, and was so ready for the draft to come in order for the team to "put up or shut up" where X was concerned, and enable discussions on X to move forward. X was (is) the most polarizing player discussed on the Huddle in terms pick 33, and that brought a lot of contentious discussion as well as information.

See, you never know what to believe during the draft season, and ever since the Senior Bowl, hints and outright stories of the Panthers' and X's mutual attraction appeared and ramped up so easily, that it was almost unbelievable. So, even though I liked X, and really figured that he should be the pick, the ease of which everything fell into place and the outside noise of different analysts made me lose a little conviction. But one ex-scout developed unshakable conviction all the way through. 

Dan Kelly, who used to scout for the Jets back in the day, chose Xavier Legette as the top receiver in the 2024 draft class. I came across his thoughts weeks ago, but I'm sharing them now just to give you some positive food for thought since X is indeed a Panther. There is no boom-or-bust aspect to X in Kelly's estimation, as X is reminiscent of a damned good one.

"This Gamecocks receiver conjures memories of how Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Art Monk — the former Washington star — ran his routes."

"Legette's sudden and spontaneous moves win initial route leverage against corners and then he wins again at route breakpoints."

For as critical as some have been of X's release off the line, when I look at X work, I can't say that Kelly is wrong here. X certainly seems to get open (though admittedly sometimes he just out-physicals the DBs ).

"Legette is the best in this draft class at "Mossin'" defenders — that is acrobatically outjumping corners for passes and coming down with circus catches. Legette isn't the next Moss, but he is darn good. He can go deep or sell the deep route well before settling back underneath and making those vitally important chain-moving intermediate-level receptions (11-19 yards)."

https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/scouts_view_the_top_receiver_in_the_nfl_draft_isnt_who_you_think/s1_13132_39987216

On Kelly's own site, First Round Mock, he was a little more specific:

"Legette has this spontaneous and impulsive ability to put little moves on corners, whether releasing from the line of scrimmage...or...when going deep. Either way, it’s enough to earn Legette route leverage (position advantage against the cornerback he’s matched up against)."

There's that term again: route leverage. Say what you want about X, but he knows how to get it.

Lastly, within the scouting report, Kelly really mentions the term again without saying it.

"Strong target who showed high-level receiving skills beyond his years...Runs routes to get open rather than well-defined routes which makes him tough to cover. Gets to the spot..."

That's ironic, no? X in his roughness makes it ugly for defensive backs to cover him. For me, this was an epiphany when I was looking at some of his clips. Yeah, he may not be the technician that a Diontae Johnson or (dare I say) a Ladd McConkey is, but he always seemed to get where he needed to be. He just simply is not built to be bullied or redirected from the task at hand, and I don't think that's a characteristic or talent (if you will) that can be taught. Sure, he'll be polished up as best that the coaches can, and perhaps that will allow him a smoother release. And I'm sure that the coaches will devise ways to scheme him open, but he's built---physically and mentally to get to where he's going. You saw it last season, and you're going to see it in the pros. Watch what I'm saying.

https://firstroundmock.com/2024/02/xavier-legette-reminds-former-nfl-scout-of-these-legends/

[MrBubba]

Legette is a nice prospect, with lots of upside.  But this guy saying he is better than Harrison, Odunze, and Nabors, sorry but he's out of his ever loving mind.  

[MHS831]

Nice contribution.  Appreciate it.

I have seen him on interviews, and I just like the kid.  He breaks so many molds and stereotypes, I doubt trying to put a label on his is going to work.  I think he can be special.  During his presser he was talking about riding horses and doing wildlife stuff. 

This came to mind:  Lil Nas XL

 

[MHS831]

47 minutes ago, MrBubba said:

Legette is a nice prospect, with lots of upside.  But this guy saying he is better than Harrison, Odunze, and Nabors, sorry but he's out of his ever loving mind.  

No, he has a long way to go to be that--I think he is probably referring to his ceiling--I think Legette has more room to grow from where he is that those more polished WRs.  When you look at his potential, it presents an argument that is not so one sided.  Of those three, only Odunze had a higher RAS score 9.92.  XL had a 9.90.  Malik Nabors had a 9.67.  Harrison Jr.  did not have one. 

I am not sure that Legette has not overcome more obstacles to be where he is, and if you consider his adversity, his story might be more incredible, even though he is only a second tier rookie right nowm with Mitchell, Thomas, Pearsall, and maybe McConkey. 

I am going from memory-but you have to think of things as a kid-when he was 16, his mother died of breast cancer.  When he entered S Carolina, his father died.  They had some issues and QB problems and the OL was terrible in Columbia---the others you mentioned?  None of that family drama, and they played at Washington, Ohio State, and LSU.  Huge difference. 

I am proud of him as a man--when all his chips were on the table--when he had no more chances, he broke through and became a first round draft pick.  A school with a losing record, mediocre QB, and bad OL.  Mentally, he was struggling through the losses of both parents.  Amazing story.  Is he as good as those three who played at top universities?  Not yet.

Edited May 1, 2024 by MHS831

[Jackie Lee]

I mean it worked against 20 year old college kids, he's going to need to add some more tools and refinement to that in the pros. Being compared to a WR from 30-40 years ago is something else considering the game has completely changed

[flagfootballcoach28]

With all due respect, claiming he’s a better WR than MHJ and Nabers is borderline irresponsible scouting. 

[amcoolio]

History says one of MHJ, Rome or Nabers will be an absolute bust, so it's not out of the realm of possibilty. Keyshawn Johnson is a good comp for Marvin Harrison Jr. Solid, but not spectacular

[SmittysLawnGuy]

Bubba Gump Boomhower was far from the number one receiver. I like his potential but come on  main!

[SmittysLawnGuy]

Pros: Bubba Gump Boomhower

Cons: No neck

 

Drinkem if you got em!

Alrighty, that sukkkkss!

Edited May 1, 2024 by SmittysLawnGuy

[Aussie Tank]

Fingers crossed you’re right. Just like fingers crossed I’m right about Bryce 

[OldhamA]

4 hours ago, Jackie Lee said:

I mean it worked against 20 year old college kids, he's going to need to add some more tools and refinement to that in the pros. Being compared to a WR from 30-40 years ago is something else considering the game has completely changed

The WR position has only got easier to play in that time though.

[ok2h8pep]

Looking forward to another season of our receivers looking like poo because they can't get "BY open" 5 yards from the LOS and the cover 0 safety playing 12 yards deep.

[scratched]

8 hours ago, MrBubba said:

Legette is a nice prospect, with lots of upside.  But this guy saying he is better than Harrison, Odunze, and Nabors, sorry but he's out of his ever loving mind.  

Time will tell... When the smoke clears, I think we will see there wasn't much difference in the 1st WR drafted and the 8th WR drafted. Legette on OSU or LSU would have looked very different. 

[Ricky Prickles]

54 minutes ago, ok2h8pep said:

Looking forward to another season of our receivers looking like poo because they can't get "BY open" 5 yards from the LOS and the cover 0 safety playing 12 yards deep.

Why even watch them? I mean if you are already saying you are projecting another failed season with happening what you are claiming will happen then where is the motivation for you to even watch? Sounds as if you have zero hope here, so what's the point or motivation for you to even turn your tv on next season?