6 bold predictions for the Jags’ 2020 rookie class

The Jags are going to need a lot of production out of their rookie class and will even need some of them to overachieve to make the playoffs.

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Laviska Shenault Jr. with be a top-5 receiver in YAC/receptions average

When popping in the tape, Laviska Shenault’s bread and butter was clearly his ability to gain yards after the catch. With running back caliber strength and a physical style of play, he was hard to bring down during his time in Colorado. In fact, he averaged 7.6 yards after the catch, and according to Pro Football Focus, he broke a tackle for every 3.73 catches.

The aforementioned figures indicate that Shenault will do a lot of the dirty work for the Jags and coach Marrone has even hinted at him getting snaps from multiple positions. That could put him in line to be a top-5 receiver in terms of his YAC average in 2020 if he can stay healthy.

Per Next Gen Stats, three rookies led the league in their YAC/receptions category in 2019. Those rookies were A.J. Brown (8.8), Deebo Samuel (8.5), and Noah Fant (8.5). That said, it isn’t farfetched to think that Shenault could have similar success.