Jaguars need these 4 second-year players to step up in 2021

2. Laviska Shenault, wide receiver, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars had a solid wide receiver corps last season. Unfortunately, they didn’t have a quarterback that could take advantage of the offensive weapons they had at their disposal. DJ Chark Jr., a Pro Bowl nod in 2019, saw his production take a hit while Laviska Shenault Jr. didn’t get many chances to make plays.

A second-round selection in 2020, ‘Viska’ hauled in 58 receptions for 600 yards and five touchdowns. Those aren’t bad numbers for a first-year player. However, the team’s brass surely expects more from the Shenaut in Year 2. At one point last season, he had the most receiving yards among rookie wide receivers. Moreover, he had three trips to the end zone in the last two games of the year.

With quarterback Trevor Lawrence at the helm, all Jaguars skill-position players should be productive in 2021. However, the Colorado standout may have a difficult time getting a meaningful amount of snaps. The team signed Marvin Jones Jr., who should start opposite Chark this season. Also, Collin Johnson will complete for playing time and since the current regime didn’t draft Shenault, they may not feel attached to him.

There’s also the fact rookie Travis Etienne will line up at wide receiver in 2021, and that could come at the expense of Shenault. The second-year wideout has shown he can play. Nevertheless, he will have to stand out in Jacksonville’s crowded wide receiver corps, which won’t be easy.