Vikings 2024 NFL draft scouting report: South Carolina WR Xavier Legette
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This series will be your guide to the 2024 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.
The focus of the draft class in this space will be on the Vikings’ major needs at quarterback, running back, defensive line and edge rusher. We will also focus on wide receiver since it’s a loaded class and an increased chance to get a Stefon Diggs-type steal in the later rounds.
The Vikings are slated to have 9 picks going into the NFL draft and they need to make the most out of them.
Background
Xavier Legette
South Carolina
Height-6030
Weight-227 lbs
Fifth-year Senior
4-Star recruit at cornerback per 247 Sports
Stats: 173 targets, 113 receptions, 1,678 yards, 14.8 YPR, 12 touchdowns, 12 rush, 17 yards
Games watched: North Carolina 2023, Georgia 2023, Florida 2023, Mississippi State 2023
Strengths
Legette is a talented player. He is not just a big receiver but he can move. He is a long strider and eats up yards when he gets moving.
In his route running, Legette has a really good chop step to stop quickly. It helps him cut back or out much easier. He creates separation on hitches easily.
Tracks the ball really well especially on deep shots and displays great body control when attacking the ball in the air. Was 10/21 in contested catch situations in 2023.
He catches what comes his way. Only two drops on 97 targets in 2023 and has the flair for making the tough catch.
As a run blocker, Legette is physically imposing and can drive you out of the lane.
Weaknesses
Legette is a long strider and one who builds up speed but doesn’t have a great burst off the line of scrimmage. Doesn’t have a lot to offer with the release package either.
Route running leaves a little bit to be desired. His frame is big and strong which hinders his ability to move with agility. He also doesn’t have great separation ability with his route running. Legette is at his best when he is running down the field or through zone coverage versus beating man coverage.
Despite his size, Legette isn’t going to make you miss with broken tackles. Only forced nine missed tackles in 2023.
Needs to become more consistent as a run blocker.
Overview
Hands | 8.3/10 |
Release | 7.1/10 |
Route Running | 11.2/15 |
Separation | 11.3/15 |
Contested Catches | 8.4/10 |
Tracking | 8.3/10 |
Body Control | 8.3/10 |
YAC Ability | 8.4/10 |
Agility | 7.2/10 |
Grade | 78.5/100 Third Round |
Legette is a talented player but is a bit of a one-trick pony at this point in the game: a big bodied receiver who can get some YAC when in space and go up for the contested catch, but he won’t wow you with his route running or quickness. His flying 20 will be what emphasizes his speed since he is a build up guy but he can fly. His best fit is in a system where he can get YAC like what Kyle Shanahan runs.
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