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Jacksonville Jaguars: Is this Laviska Shenault’s last chance?

By Thomas Pascariello

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (10) runs with the ball during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (10) runs with the ball during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Are the final games in the 2021 season Laviska Shenault’s last chance to prove he isn’t a bust for the Jacksonville Jaguars?

If there was some solace in the Jacksonville Jaguars 1-15 record of the 2020 season, it was the young talent that the team seemed to have. One of those potential key pieces moving forward was 2nd round (42nd overall) rookie WR, Laviska Shenault.

Coming out of Colorado, Shenault was a key piece to the Jaguars’ offense last year. In 14 games he had 58 catches for 600 yards and 5 touchdowns. He was also used to run the ball, finding success with 91 yards on 18 carries.

It seemed the Jaguars managed to find a Cordarrelle Patterson-like player – and managed to utilize that potential. As it turned out, Shenault emulating Patterson could potentially be more true than originally imagined.

When Urban Meyer was hired by the Jacksonville Jaguars after the 2020 season, many thought it would benefit a player like Shenault. Meyer was heralded as an offensive genius in college. Many thought that would translate to the NFL; at least, with a player with Shenault’s skill-set. I guess that’s why they say not to count your chickens before they hatch.

In similar usage to his rookie season, Laviska Shenault has completely faceplanted in 2021. He’s on pace for more targets in fewer games, averages the same number of catches per game, and is seeing lower numbers overall across the board – including his catch percentage. His yards per catch have dropped from an already low 10.3 to 9.8.

On its face, it doesn’t seem like much of a problem. If you think about the team adding Marvin Jones in the offseason, you would expect some type of production to drop, at least a little. Unfortunately, that addition wouldn’t matter, as the Jaguars lost DJ Chark on the third play of Week 4.

When the Jacksonville Jaguars needed Laviska Shenault to step up, he floundered. Instead of him reaping the benefits of those vacated targets, it was Jamal Agnew. Even more frustrating is when the team added Dan Arnold, Agnew still had plenty of success. Shenault only fell further into the shadows.

Now, we’re in Week 13 of the season. Agnew and Arnold are both on injured reserve. It’s now or never for Laviska Shenault. He was out-snapped by Laquon Treadwell in Week 12. If he doesn’t want to fade into oblivion, he needs to step up and produce.

You could question if the reason for Shenault’s faceplant is Urban Meyer. While that’s a possibility, it isn’t the problem. Shenault is a low aDOT (average depth of target) player with low separation rates who benefits from yards after the catch. For unknown reasons, he isn’t producing despite being given the same type of opportunity.

While Shenault’s season isn’t horrific given the circumstances, it’s concerning when looking at future projections. History isn’t kind to wide receivers who fail to live up to expectations in their sophomore season.

If Urban Meyer isn’t able to unlock Laviska Shenault now, the chances of him being a reliable piece for the Jacksonville Jaguars going forward are slim. This could be Laviska Shenault’s last chance.

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