Jaguars 5 biggest disappointments of the 2021 season

No. 5 Jaguars’ biggest disappointment in 2021 –  Laviska Shenault, WR.

Here’s one entry that may seem confusing. After all, wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. was also mentioned on the list of five Jaguars that could become breakout stars in 2022. However, there’s an easy explanation for his inclusion in both articles. The 2020 second-round pick has all the skillset to play a gadget kind of role in the NFL but hasn’t managed to turn his potential into steady production.

Last season, he had a pretty good performance against the Bengals on Thursday Night Football, hauling in receptions for 99 yards. He also finished the 2021 campaign with more catches and more receiving yards than in his rookie year. On the other hand, he averaged just 9.8 yards per grab and didn’t find the end zone even once. That’s not what you expected from a player that was seen as a favorite to breakout. Back when the Jags lost fellow DJ Chark Jr. to a fractured ankle, Viska had a prime opportunity to step up and soften his absence but didn’t.

All this is puzzling when you consider that Shenault’s ability to break tackles and create extra yards after contact is second to none. He can also get deep and line up anywhere across the line of scrimmage. He lacks top speed but that’s not necessarily something that can hold him back. Maybe the Jags’ offense in 2021 didn’t suit him and if that’s the case, he will have the chance to prove that’s what held him back last year.