In the 2020 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars wanted to get second-year quarterback Gardner Minshew II more weapons. Jacksonville grabbed Colorado WR Laviska Shenault Jr. in the second round, and in the fifth round, the Jaguars selected Texas WR Collin Johnson.
Based on what he has seen out of Shenault and Johnson, Minshew is pleased.
“Laviska Shenault Jr. is a freak, man,” Minshew said via a video call on Tuesday. “I knew it when we played him at Colorado. I was glad he wasn’t super healthy that game because he changes the game when he has the ball in his hands. He’s really impressed me. He’s a lot better route runner, a lot better at catching the ball than I even expected so I’m really excited for what he’s going to be.
“Collin Johnson, really big guy, doesn’t move like he’s a big guy, he moves really well, smooth and catches the ball really well. Both those guys, they love ball, they love learning, they’re excited to be here, so I’m excited to work with them.”
Coming out of Colorado, some compared Shenault to Falcons star WR Julio Jones. At 6-1, 227 pounds, Shenault has excellent size, and while his 40 time at the combine was not great(4.58), many believe he plays faster than that on the field. Regarding Johnson, he’s long(6-6), and may not be expected to make an impact right away, but the potential is definitely there. You can’t teach height, and Johnson has that.
It’s still very early, and without a preseason, it could be difficult for Shenault and Johnson to get completely comfortable playing NFL football right away. As much as many loathe the preseason, it has its benefits, especially for younger players. No preseason could impact how these young players perform in 2020.
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