Jaguars WR Laviska Shenault ‘should easily build off his rookie production’

The Jacksonville Jaguars are a young team full of upside. There’s no doubt their rookie class will have an immediate impact but there are also several sophomores that should become key contributors in the 2021 season. One of them is wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr., who showed flashes in 2020 and is ready to take the next step.

Nate Burleson of NFL Media recently put together a list of wide receivers set for a Year 2 breakout in 2021 and Viska was among those who made the cut. Here’s what Burleson had to say about the Jaguars’ second-year wide receiver:

"Shenault brings so much to the table for the Jaguars’ offense as a physical wide receiver and a slippery ball-carrier. One of the few offensive bright spots in 2020, he feels like his light will be bigger and brighter after focusing on his health, mentality and craft during the offseason. If this this young, hungry receiver can quickly earn the trust of No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence, Shenault should easily build off his rookie production."

This is not the first time Burleson compliments ‘Shenaughty by Nature’. A few months ago, he put together a list of five wide receivers that will break out in the 2021 season and Shenault took the top spot. In a display of appreciation, the Jaguars wide receiver thanked Burleson and congratulated him for taking home the Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Personality.

The Jacksonville Jaguars need to get Laviska Shenault the ball in 2021.

The Jaguars should be fun to watch in 2021. Last season, they had trouble getting to the end zone and finished 30th in points scored. That should change this upcoming season. Besides drafting quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the top pick in the draft, they signed wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. in free agency. Moreover, they added drafted running back Travis Etienne, who will have a big role in the passing game. Jacksonville has more than enough weapons to score more often.

DJ Chark will be the Jaguars’ top receiving option and Jones will most likely enter the 2021 season as the number two. Still, Shenault should get his fair share of targets. He’s been having a pretty solid training camp and Lawrence has connected with him for several big plays. The 2020 second-round pick has also gotten praise from his teammates. Jones told the local media the sophomore has abilities nobody else in the NFL possesses while running back James Robinson thinks that he looks faster and stronger compared to last year.

The fact that Lawrence is now at the helm should help Shenault be more productive in 2021. Last season, the Jaguars’ lacked stability at quarterback and the skill-position players saw their production drop as a result. While the Clemson product hasn’t made his NFL debut yet, his presence should give the offense a boost. He should have no trouble getting his receivers the ball.

Shenault is putting in the works required to succeed in the NFL. The fact the national media and the Jacksonville Jaguars organization have taken notice is telling. At this point, it looks inevitable that the second-year wide receiver will excel in 2021.