Laviska Shenault Can Have an Instant Influence on the Jacksonville Jaguars
With the 42nd pick in the NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select Laviska Shenault. What does that mean for fantasy football?
Shenault's Background
Despite entering college as a three-star prospect, Shenault fielded offers from powerhouse programs like Alabama and LSU. Instead, Shenault opted to attend Colorado.
While Shenault made brief appearances as a freshman, he truly burst onto the scene as a true sophomore. In that season, Colorado used Shenault all over the formation, including taking hefty number of snaps as a wildcat quarterback. The focal point of the offense, Shenault finished with 86 receptions, 1,011 receiving yards and six scores in 2018.
However, Shenault his final few games in 2019, with a myriad of injuries. Following the season, Shenault underwent surgery to repair turf toe and a torn labrum. Missing almost the entire off-season, Shenault posted only 56 catches for 764 yards and four scores in 2018. Shenault again battled injuries, this time dealing with a core muscle ailment.
After resting through the early part of the offseason, Shenault attended the NFL Scouting Combine and checked in at 6-2, 227-pounds. Still recovering, Shenault attempted to run the 40-yard dash, turning in a time of 4.58. Re-aggravating the core muscle injury during his sprint, Shenault decided to undergo surgery following the combine.
Finally healthy, injuries remain a concern on Shenault's profile. However, he brings a 31.5-percent College Dominator (68th-percentile) and a 19.9 Breakout Age (16.6), per PlayerProfiler. Extremely productive when healthy, Shenault must put his injuries behind him to produce in the NFL.
What to Expect
With Marqise Lee cut from the team, Shenault joins D.J. Chark and Dede Westbrook in the Jacksonville offense. Coming into one of the weaker wide receiver corps in the NFL, Shenault steps into immediate opportunity.
Second-year quarterback Gardner Minshew also receives a new weapon as he vies for a starting job. With Jacksonville likely trailing often in 2020, Shenault offers some fantasy viability in redraft formats this year. He's a much more appealing dynasty pick, however, as he carries a bright future.
