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Panthers rookie receiver impresses coach

Xavier Legette caught the attention of Dave Canales at rookie minicamp.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As you would expect on the first day of rookie minicamp, there were a few passes that hit the ground.

But Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales thinks he can put a finger on why.

The rookie coach said rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette (listed by the team at 6-foot-3, 227 pounds) is so big, fast and explosive, perhaps some of the young quarterbacks hadn't been used to that sort of thing in college.

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"The way that he carries 225 (pounds) is pretty incredible," Canales said. "His movement skills, the way he controls his body, and gets in and out of breaks is really special. Seeing him out there moving the way he does, it's pretty impressive."

That movement, especially in his route-running, is something Legette has focused on leading up to the NFL Draft, and as he prepares for his first professional season.

"That was the most important thing to me, to really put emphasis on certain routes that the media said I couldn't run," Legette said. "So I just worked on those things a lot."

The Panthers traded up in to the first round to snag the South Carolina receiver with the 32nd overall selection of the NFL Draft.

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