ClutchPoints
The Carolina Panthers had another disappointing season, finishing 5-12 and missing the NFL playoffs for the seventh consecutive year. Despite this, there are signs of hope. Carolina improved their receiver room by drafting Tetairoa McMillan with the eighth overall pick.
Now, this gives Bryce Young another weapon, and the Panthers’ wide receiver room is deeper. Despite that, there is another Panthers’ receiver who might make the difference. Xavier Legette could become the Panthers’ breakout player who helps shape their season.
Carolina needs all the help it can get after last season. After experiencing a benching, Bryce Young showed promise toward the end. Overall, Young finished with 2,403 yards passing, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Young also ran for 26 yards and six touchdowns. Now, he hopes to improve an offense that ranked 29th in passing yards.
Running the football was not the problem in Carolina. Significantly, Chuba Hubbard ran 250 times for 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns. Because of that, that was not an issue of importance. After drafting McMillan, the Panthers expect a solid partnership between him and Legette. This brings the story back to Legette and his potential for a breakout in 2025.
Legette finished the 2024 season with 49 receptions for 497 yards and four touchdowns. No, those were not the most incredible stats, but it was reassuring that he played 16 games. Adam Thielen led the Cats with 48 receptions for 615 yards and five touchdowns. If Carolina wishes to take the next step, they must see a leap from Legette.
Despite his rookie struggles, there is potential for Legette to become the Panthers’ breakout player. Drafting McMillan puts more pressure on defenders to decide who to guard when playing on defense. Additionally, it gives Legette more time to develop.
But after receiving a below-average grade from Pro Football Focus, Legette must do more to stay relevant in the Panthers’ wide receiver room. While Young is under the most pressure to perform, Legette has the potential to help him by breaking out. To become the Panthers’ breakout player, he must make some adjustments and take some strides in his play.
Legette is a big wide receiver who is a vertical threat while also being multidimensional. He can play on the outside or in the slot. Additionally, his size and speed are a great combination that gives him all the tools to succeed. His ability to run after the catch is also solid.
When the Cats drafted him with the 32nd overall pick in 2024, they expected him to become a vertical threat down the field. Ultimately, he thrives in play-action and deep routes. Some have compared him to Deebo Samuel, yet he does not run nearly as much as he did during his tenure in San Francisco.
Legette is great at contesting catches as his long arms help give him an advantage in this aspect. Furthermore, he runs hard after the catch and puts everything he has...
