The Carolina Panthers may already have their own DK Metcalf at home.
Head coach Dave Canales held court at the league's annual meetings from Palm Beach, Fla. on Tuesday. And less than 24 hours after alluding to his team's previous interest in now-former Seattle Seahawks wideout DK Metcalf, Canales told reporters that they already have their "No. 1" receiver in Xavier Legette.
"I think we got that guy. I think it's Xavier," Canales said, via Darin Gantt of Panthers.com. "And I think it's up to the coaches to just continue to develop him and let him grow at his pace. So, for me, the goal for Xavier Legette is let's just take that next step. This is going to be his first offseason with us, from phase one all the way through, and I just love to see where that goes."
Carolina traded up into the very end of the first round in last year's draft to secure Legette, a standout from the University of South Carolina. The 32nd overall pick went on to amass 49 receptions for 497 yards and four touchdowns.
Legette's rookie campaign would be a bit stained by his ball security issues late in the season, particularly on a pair of damaging drops against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12 and the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14.
But Canales, a former wide receivers coach of eight NFL seasons, certainly isn't doubting the preparation and resolve of the 24-year-old Legette.
"Xavier's doing a bunch of stuff; He's an overworker, and that's a good thing," he added. "He's wired the right way. He's grinding. He's in there. He's doing stuff.
"You can't get him out of the building. He's there early and late, and so he's one of those guys, so he's doing all the right things, and with the hard work, it will pay off."
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers HC Dave Canales gives WR Xavier Legette a huge endorsement