Laviska Shenault could see work at WR, RB and Wildcat QB for Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars took Laviska Shenault Jr. in Round 2 of the NFL draft with the 42nd overall pick in a receiver-rich draft. Shenault isn’t your prototypical wide receiver, as he is built more like a running back than receiver at 6’1”, 227 pounds. In college, he saw multiple uses, lining up all over the field, including in the backfield as a running back.

The Jaguars head coach, Doug Marrone, believes that versatility will continue in the NFL under his watch, saying, “You can put him in the backfield. He can play Wildcat. You can put him as the F tight end. You can do a lot of things with him. You see it on his tape in 2018 and 2019.”

This is good to hear, as Shenault’s skills don’t transfer easily to a set NFL offense. He is a playmaker and needs the ball in his hands, but figuring out the best way to get that ball in his hands is key. Shenault’s physical style has led to some nagging injuries in college and there’s no doubt he’ll continue playing with that same physical intensity.

With Gardner Minshew at quarterback, this team is going to be a rag-tag bunch that may give us some excitement at times, if not many wins. Shenault has the ability to get touches from day one and should only gain work as the team finds ways to deploy him successfully. That should give him some deep fantasy league consideration but consistency will be lacking in his rookie season.