2020 NFL Draft Big Board: Ranking top 10 wide receivers in historic class
By Samuel Teets
6. Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado
The Colorado product struggled with production in his final season because of poor quarterback play and a lackluster supporting cast. However, Laviska Shenault Jr. still produced 142 receptions, 1,775 yards, and ten touchdowns in his final two college seasons.
At the combine, Shenault weighed in at 6-1, 227 pounds. In terms of sheer physical freakishness and ability, he’s a light version of D.K. Metcalf. No, Shenault doesn’t possess the Ole Miss product’s ridiculous speed, but he’s got incredible strength for the position. Smaller cornerbacks stand no chance against Shenault.
NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein and The Draft Network both compared Shenault to Sammy Watkins. However, Watkins never put all of his potential together in the NFL. Shenault could go the same way, considering he’s still an extremely raw prospect. Injuries also give teams pause as Shenault had surgeries for a torn labrum and turf toe last year.
Teams realize Shenault is a project with some definite downsides. However, Metcalf flourished as one of the best rookie wide receivers this past season despite lacking refinement and posing some injury concerns. In the end, a team looking for the home-run hit will take Shenault. More conservative organizations will look elsewhere.
Shenault runs like a running back with the ball in his hands. That level of physicality is both attractive and frightening. Too many hits could damage Shenault’s long-term value.