COLUMBIA — The 2024 NFL Draft begins Thursday and Xavier Legette should be the first South Carolina football player selected.

Legette is a 6-foot-1, 221-pound wide receiver who had 71 receptions for 1,255 yards in 2023. He had seven touchdowns in 2023 and spent most of the season as the No. 1 option for quarterback Spencer Rattler, who is also expected to be a second-day selection.

Here is where mock drafts and scouting reports have Legette going in the 2024 NFL draft:

Xavier Legette and the Carolina Panthers

On Monday, Legette told USA TODAY's John Crumpler that he's met with the Carolina Panthers four or five times. Legette went as far to say the Panthers told him if he remains available, they will take him with the No. 33 selection, which is the first pick of the second round. The Panthers currently own seven of the 257 total picks in this year's draft.

ESPN's latest mock draft also has Legette going to the Panthers but with the No. 39 pick instead of No. 33. NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid wrote "Legette's physicality and explosiveness after the catch would give quarterback Bryce Young a serious playmaker."

The Panthers struggled last season but Young has the talent to connect with quality receivers. When Diontae Johnson was traded from Pittsburgh last month, the wide receiver options increased and with the addition of Legette, the Panthers could have a much better year offensively than in 2023.

WalterFootball's mock draft predicts Legette going No. 33 to the Panthers, saying his ability to separate from defenders is exactly what their offense needs.

"Xavier Legette has been a rising prospect. He is a massive receiver and has good speed for his size."

While the Panthers could go a much different route, a much less important but still relatable factor is Legette's opportunity to play for a hometown crowd. Legette is from Mullins, South Carolina, roughly 130 miles from Bank of America Stadium.

Potential draft teams for Xavier Legette

Indianapolis Colts: Pro Football Focus has Legette going to the Colts in its mock draft as the No. 46 pick.

"The Colts need more weapons in the passing game, and Legette gives them a versatile and athletic option to pair with Michael Pittman Jr. on the outside," PFF said.

Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News also has Legette going to the Colts.

Houston Texans: Legette told Crumpler that the Houston Texans were the first team he met with in preparation for the draft. The Texans have two second round picks, No. 42 and No. 59. The Texans just got Stefon Diggs from Buffalo so it's not guaranteed they will use a second-round selection on another wide receiver but Legette could be a potential option if the Texans go that route.

New England Patriots: CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso has Legette has the No. 34 pick going to the Patriots in CBS' 2024 mock draft

SPENCER RATTLER: What experts are saying about South Carolina QB Spencer Rattler ahead of 2024 NFL Draft

Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at lkesin@gannett.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Lulukesin

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: NFL draft predictions for South Carolina football's Xavier Legette