Xavier Legette fantasy football outlook for 2024: Is Panthers WR a safe pick this year?

Xavier Legette was selected by the Carolina Panther with the final pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The team has been in desperate need of offensive weapons, so it is hoping that the rookie can help it to solve the problem. He is coming off of the best college football season of his career, so he brings plenty of upside.

Rookies often carry more risk than most other players in their position for fantasy football and Legette is no exception. He is playing in one of the worst offenses in the NFL, but his expected role suggests that he could be a productive option. Here's where his fantasy football outlook currently stands.

Breaking down Xavier Legette's fantasy football outlook for 2024

Xavier Legette

Xavier Legette spent all five seasons of his college football career with the South Carolina Gamecocks. He struggled to find playing time in his first four years, failing to eclipse 20 receptions or 200 yards in any of them. His final season was a much different story as he broke out in a major way to record 71 receptions for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns as one of the most productive wide receivers in the country.

His strong season, as well as his massive frame at 6-foot-1 tall and 217 pounds made him a desirable target in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Carolina Panthers capitalized on the opportunity to draft him at the end of the first round, adding a much-needed weapon to their weak offense. He is expected to join another newcomer in Dionate Johnson and veteran Adam Thielen in the starting lineup.

Second-year quarterback Bryce Young struggled during his rookie season, so a new set of weapons may help to unlock his potential. If Legette can be a major part of his development and establish a significant role for himself in their offense, he could be a useful asset in fantasy football. His large frame also suggests that he may be a preferred red zone target, which could further help his fantasy value.

Where should you draft Xavier Legette this year?

His unclear place in the target hierarchy of a weakly projected passing offense this season makes Xavier Legette a risky fantasy football wide receiver in traditional season-long formats. He should probably only be take as a late-round flier in these leagues, but makes for a more desirable option in Dynasty fantasy football formats where his rookie status adds overall value.

Managers considering Legette in their fantasy drafts should reference Sportskeeda's Who Should I Draft tool. This will allow them to compare his fantasy projections to other available options when they are on the clock during their drafts, potentially leading to an optimized roster.