Panthers' Xavier Legette faces training camp challenge from Chris Brazzell II

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Panthers' Xavier Legette faces training camp challenge from Chris Brazzell II originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette should be prepping for a fight.

With second-round draft pick Chris Brazzell II joining other rookies reporting to the 2026 NFL training camp on Tuesday, Legette should be preparing to defend his presumptive position as WR3, behind Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker.

Tabbed by Panthers coach Dave Canales as one of his "favorite" players during the pre-draft proceedings, Brazzell flashed his big-play potential throughout the offseason training activities (OTAs).

With the Panthers' veterans scheduled to report to Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Legette will get his first training-camp shot at attempting to distance himself from Brazzell.

The first-year speedster could be hard to hold back.

Xavier Legette vs. Chris Brazzell II​

Joining the franchise as the No. 32-overall draft pick in 2024, Legette, an ex-South Carolina standout, embraced the regional fanfare of being new general manager Dan Morgan's first pick, which he traded up to execute.

But two inconsistent seasons later, some NFL insiders predict Brazzell's speed and downfield potential will push the Panthers into trading Legette, who has struggled with untimely drops and mental miscues.

Legette caught just 35 passes on 64 targets last season, collecting 363 yards and three touchdowns. As a rookie, he generated 49 catches on 84 targets for 497 yards and four scores.

MORE: Two returning Panthers facing tough NFL training camp challenges​

Canales continues backing Legette, holding out hope the 6-foot-3, 227-pounder will create a breakout campaign.

"I think it's a make-or-break year for all of us, every year," Canales said June 9. "Xavier has worked that way. From the minute he's gotten here, he's 100 miles an hour. He's putting in the time in the playbook, he's busting his butt on the field, working on little technical skills."

Will it be enough to hold back Brazzell?

More NFL News:​

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• Entering Panthers' training camp, RB Trevor Etienne, WR Jimmy Horn Jr. face challenging journeys
• Can healthy Derrick Brown make bigger difference to Panthers' defense?
• With Rico Dowdle gone, Panthers need production from backup RBs
• How Panthers GM Dan Morgan improved team weakness

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