Chiefs urged to avoid 6-foot-1 draft riser at WR….
The Kansas City Chiefs plan to draft a wide receiver in the first two or three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.
As draft day nears, one name gaining traction is South Carolina standout Xavier Legette. Mel Kiper Jr.’s April 10 mock draft on ESPN even has the Chiefs selecting Legette with the 32nd overall pick.
However, on April 20, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine warned teams about potential draft pitfalls, specifically mentioning Legette as a risk for the Chiefs.
Ballentine said, “Every wide receiver dreams of joining the Kansas City Chiefs and playing with the NFL’s top quarterback-coach duo. But it’s essential to grasp why the Chiefs need a receiver. Promising talents like Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney haven’t fully delivered, and Mecole Hardman could be added to that list.”
“Even in the Chiefs’ high-octane offense, the right receivers are essential for success,” Ballentine observed. He’s concerned that Legette’s lack of “refined” route-running could make him another disappointment in the Chiefs’ wide receiver lineup.
Bleacher Report scouting expert Derrik Klassen commented on Legette, saying, “He doesn’t excel at battling at the line of scrimmage, and he isn’t a polished route-runner who can vary his approach to keep defensive backs on their toes.”
Instead, Ballentine suggested that the Chiefs should consider targeting a more “polished” receiver like Georgia’s Ladd McConkey, or perhaps focus on acquiring a new left tackle to challenge Wanya Morris in the 2024 season.
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III describes Xavier Legette as a “match made in heaven” for the Chiefs.
Legette is sparking mixed opinions in Kansas City. Some see him as an ideal addition to Mahomes and Reid’s offense, while others, like Ballentine, are more cautious.
Former NFL quarterback and analyst Robert Griffin III praised the potential fit on April 18, saying, “Xavier Legette on the @Chiefs would be a match made in heaven.” He added, “Andy Reid values versatility, and Legette has experience both outside and in the slot at South Carolina. With his ability to turn a short pass into a long gain, he could be the key piece for a Chiefs three-peat.”
NFL Network draft expert Lance Zierlein praised Legette’s “sneaky burst” and “stealth acceleration,” along with his size, strength, and contested catch skills.
However, the lingering question is whether Legette’s standout season was a one-time occurrence.
Xavier Legette only had one standout season in college.
Legette isn’t a sure bet in the NFL draft due to his inconsistent college play.
He’s 6-foot-1 but never topped 200 receiving yards from 2019 to 2022. Yet, in his senior year, he had 71 catches for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns.
Before 2023, Legette had fewer than 30 targets in any season, suggesting limited chances, not ability, held him back.
The Chiefs might draft him at No. 32, as Kiper suggests, which some may see as a reach. A second-round pick could be safer.
Legette’s athleticism is a plus, but creating chances and refining his skills will be key. Drafting him after his 2023 breakout would show confidence in their coaching staff’s ability to develop him.