While the Jacksonville Jaguars spent more draft picks on the defense than the offense, they did end up with two receivers who gives them a mix of size and ability on the perimeter. Those receivers were second-round pick Laviska Shenault Jr. and fifth-rounder Collin Johnson, and it seems both are making quite the impression on quarterback Gardner Minshew in the early stages of camp.
Got some freaks in this rookie class.@Viska2live | @Call_In_Johnson pic.twitter.com/PoNEX0QVbB
— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) August 4, 2020
“Laviska’s a freak man,” Minshew told the media 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 better route runner and a lot better catching the ball than even I expected. So I’m really excited for what he’s going to be.”
“Collin is a really big guy but doesn’t really move like a big guy. He moves really well. [He] smooth in and out of his cuts catches the ball well. Both of those guys love ball and they love learning. [They are] excited to be here so I’m excited to work with them.”
The additions of Shenault and Johnson could pay off tremendously for the offense, which had a couple of weapons already in D.J. Chark Jr. and Leonard Fournette. Of course, a lot will hinge on the offensive line but their cohesiveness could be stronger in 2020 as the same group of five starters will be returning.
At 6-foot-1, 227-pounds, Shenault is a player who should bring physicality and versatility as he lined up on the perimeter, in the slot, at running back, and wildcat quarterback in college. He finished his career at Colorado with 1,943 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
Johnson, on the other hand, looks more like a basketball player at 6-foot-6, 222-pounds. Not only will he provide Minshew with a can’t miss target downfield, but he offers the receivers corps a sure-handed receiver. It’s possible he’ll see a lot of opportunities in the red zone this season, as the Jags are clearly going to have to score more than they did in 2019 to turn things around.
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