Panthers HC explains what Xavier Legette must do to 'earn' first-team reps

Though wide receiver Xavier Legette is the Carolina Panthers' first-round selection, his spot on the first team isn't guaranteed.

On Thursday, Dave Canales, the Panthers' head coach, explained that Legette would need to earn his place by continuing to compete.

“I think he’s got a real great opportunity to go against one of the best corners in the NFL in Jaycee Horn,” Canales said. “What a great matchup. To see those two go one-on-one.

"He kinda learned some guys you’re just not gonna be able to bully and get open. You’re gonna have to use your skill set, your footwork, your finesse, the stems in the routes.”

Legette's first practice of training camp didn't go as planned. He started slow and didn't catch a single pass. In the post-practice media availability, he beat himself up for the lack of production.

Part of the struggle with Legette was his missed time during the offseason nursing a hamstring injury. However, Canales didn't make any excuses for the Panthers' star rookie.

"It’s just a matter of I would love for the guys on our team to earn their place, to earn those valuable reps," Canales said. And he’s getting a lot of work.

“There’s a measure for all the young guys, show us. Show us you’re working hard. Show us you’re doing all the things the right way so that we can go in with full confidence and trust. So it’s not a knock on him for not doing those things. It’s like, keep showing us who you are and showing us what you wanna do.”

To show the coaching staff that Legette is worthy of first-team reps, he will have to distinguish himself in a wide receiver field that includes Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen.

It is a challenge Legette appears primed for.