Jaguars WR Laviska Shenault reacts to Nate Burleson’s praise

This has been a good week for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Laviska Shenault. 

Earlier this week, Nate Burleson discussed on Good Morning Football his top 5 breakout wide receivers for the 2021 season and Laviska Shenault Jr. popped up at number one. The NFL Media broadcaster said he loves the way 2020 second-round pick plays and likes how he proved he can play wide receiver despite concerns. He credits Viska for hauling in 58 receptions in 2020 and points out it isn’t an easy feat for a rookie.

Burleson also noted that the Jags went through three different quarterbacks last season — Gardner Minshew II, Mike Glennon, and Jake Luton — and there was no way for the Colorado product to catch a rhythm. Nevertheless, the former wide receiver believes the Jaguars’ offense is going to be potent and powerful this upcoming season with Laviska “Shenaughty by Nature” doing his thing. So how did Shenault respond to the breakdown?

The sophomore wide receiver posted a video on social media thanking Burleson for the shout-out and the nickname he gave him. He also took advantage of the opportunity and congratulated him for winning the Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports personality a few days ago.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a playmaker in Laviska Shenault.

Wide receiver was one of the few bright spots for the Jaguars last season. Shenault, DJ Chark Jr., and Keelan Cole were part of a well-rounded unit. Alas, Jacksonville didn’t have a quarterback that could get them the ball on a consistent basis. That should change in 2021 with Trevor Lawrence, the top overall pick in this year’s selection meeting, using all the offensive weapons he will have at his disposal. Moreover, the organization signed Marvin Jones Jr. this offseason after letting Cole walk in free agency.

Jaguars reporter Ashlyn Sullivan says Shenault has been having a great offseason and adds that he’s been turning heads every practice she’s watched. Last season, Shenault appeared in 14 games in 2020 and had 58 receptions for 600 yards and five trips to the end zone, three of those in the last two games of the season. His 13 contested catches led all rookies last year, per Pro Football Focus. Furthermore, his 16 broken tackles ranked second among first-year players.

In a recent sitdown with the local media, head coach Urban Meyer praised Shenault, “he’s one of our best players on offense. He’s a guy that’s in the right position at H back”. Meyer says he loves the second-year receiver and loves the way he practices every day. He sees him as a great puzzle piece for the Jags to have on offense. Also, he thinks his everyday attitude is fantastic.

Once again, it looks like wide receiver will be a strength for the Jaguars — even if they weren’t ranked appropriately. Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell will be tasked with finding a way to get everyone the ball. One thing is sure, Shenault is making a strong case to be heavily featured in 2021 and have as many targets as Chark and Jones.