Jaguars Add Offensive Weapon In Round 2 Of The 2020 NFL Draft Along With Defense In Round 3

As expected, the Jaguars turned to offense on the second day of the 2020 NFL Draft taking explosive wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. with their Second Round pick (42^nd overall). The Desoto, Texas native (6-1, 227 lbs.) should be a solid target for Jacksonville’s second-year quarterback Gardner Minshew. 

Shenault Jr., who declared for the draft after his junior year, scored a rushing and receiving touchdown in the same game five times during his career. He is the only player in Colorado history to score two rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns in the same game. He prides himself on leaving in all out on the field. 

“That’s how I live my life, being tough,” Shenault Jr. told reporters in Jacksonville, FL during a virtual press conference. “And, I take it to the field. Anytime you see me, you’ll see me being tough.”

Along with toughness, Shenault Jr. brings versatility to the field. 

“I think I’m an athlete,” Shenault explained. “I think I can move around everywhere and do anything that’s asked and dominate in different places.” 

Shenault Jr. can run in the open field and he is known for having outstanding skills. But, the question remains, can he stay healthy to play? He missed action the last two years due to injury and, according to ESPN, he underwent pelvic surgery on March 3^rd. However, when he’s healthy, he’s effective. Over the last two years he tallied 1,775 receiving yards (4^thin the Pac-12 Conference). 

Jacksonville Director of College Scouting Mark Ellen has kept a careful eye on Shenault Jr. who had 44 broken tackles and showed how physical he is once he gets his hands on the ball. 

“Well, I saw him play live in his first game back this year against Oregon and so you see him in person and he looks like a linebacker,” Ellen said. “And, he’s really good with his RAC, his run after catch, not only with burst and explosive speed, but he’s a strong kid that can break tackles, so he blends a lot of things together.”

The look of the Jaguars’ receiving corps has changed recently. Earlier this week, the Jaguars waived wide receiver Marqise Lee (who was picked up by the New England Patriots). The move helped the team clear $4,700,000 of cap space according to Spotrac.com. Jacksonville wide receivers account for 5.95 % of the team’s CAP dollars, which translates, to $12,353,920 per Spotrac.com. Shenault Jr. joins a receiving corps that includes DJ Chark, Keelan Cole, Chris Conley and Dede Westbrook. The 21-year-old also revealed he’s looking forward to teaming up with Minshew. 

“I’m excited, I can’t wait,” he admitted with a smile. “Just ready to get that bond together and it all starts with the bond and I can’t wait to definitely, definitely get on the field.”

Shenault Jr. is also inspired by the memory of his late father, Laviska Shenault Sr., who died tragically when his son was only 10-years-old. Shenault Jr. has worn his hair in dreadlocks ever since his father died. While he has worked to overcome the tragedy in his life, now he welcomes the opportunity to play in the National Football League. 

“I think it’s just another door open, just another level unlocked,” Shenault Jr. explained. “There’s plenty more levels to it so I’m not stopping right now, and just gonna keep on leveling up. It’s all actions.”

In other draft news, the Jaguars returned to defense in the Third Round of the draft and selected defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton (73rd overall) out of Ohio State. The fifth-year senior was named third-team All-Big Ten in 2019 after posting 28 tackles, including 10.5 for loss and 6.0 sacks in 14 starts.

“Honestly all I can say is that I’m excited for it, to be able to learn and be able to play in the NFL and just be able to contribute to my team,” Hamilton told reporters in Jacksonville, FL in a virtual press conference.

In February, Jacksonville declined the 2020 option on veteran defensive tackle Marcell Dareus that cleared $20,000,000 of cap space according to Spotrac.com. The Jaguars’ rebuilding has been well thought out. The team has shed hefty veteran contracts that frees up money to sign the young draft picks. The rebuilding phase has also included bringing in quality athletes who are also character players. The culture of the Jaguars’ locker room should be improved in 2020 with Minshew and company all focusing on a winning environment. 

The Jaguars have eight picks remaining in the draft that will help them bolster their lineup even more. Fourth round action kicks off at noon on Saturday.