5 Jaguars who must hit the ground running at 2022 OTAs

No. 5 Jaguars player who must shine at OTAs – Laviska Shenault, WR.

The Jaguars haven’t gotten much production from their 2020 draft class and it’s telling that a good chunk of the prospect they selected that year are no longer with them. The saving grace is that those that are still on the roster still have time to turn the narrative around. One player that could bounce back and play up to his potential in 2022 is wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr.

Viska slid to the second round in 2020 because of his propensity to get injured due to his playing style. Despite the fact that he can get deep, he will most likely run over defenders instead of juking. That approach will help him break tackles but will also expose them to injuries. On the bright side, Shenault has avoided major injuries over the last two years.

As a rookie, Shenault showed promise, hauling in 58 receptions for 600 yards and five trips to the end zone. However, his production took a dip in 2021. Although he had five more catches, his yard-per-catch average decreased half a yard. Some of that falls on the previous coaching staff but he also needs to play better.

Fellow wide receiver Laquon Treadwell had a bigger impact than Shenault late in the 2021 season and was brought back on a one-year deal earlier this year. Moreover, the Jags signed Christian Kirk and Zay Jones in free agency, meaning that Shenault will have to earn a role on offense.