Every year the National Football League Players Association holds their Rookie Premiere, which gives fans an early glimpse of their favorite rookies suited up for the team’s that drafted them. However, COVID-19 has made the Players Association alter their plans, but the good news is that the event will go on — albeit remotely for each player.
For the Jags’ draft class of 2020, it will be second round pick, Laviska Shenault, representing the Jags, who has already become a favorite from the class.
Introducing our 2020 Rookie Premiere class!
These players have been identified by @PaniniAmerica as some of the most promising young prospects based on position, college performance and marketability: https://t.co/Iit2nXMTh1#NFLPARookiePremiere pic.twitter.com/aFVUx3xhPc
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) June 18, 2020
“The event, which began in 1994 as an opportunity to capture photos of select rookies for their trading cards, has evolved to more engagement and access between players and NFLPA business partners as well as exclusive content capture for upcoming seasonal campaigns, marketing activations and player-identified products.”
“In absence of a robust week of onsite physical events and activities, Panini America, in partnership with the NFLPA, will develop and produce content in creative, new ways. Instead of working side-by-side with rookies over an intensive three days of autograph sessions, photo and marketing shoots, and business meetings, content acquisition will be managed remotely with members of the 2020 NFLPA Rookie Premiere class.”
As seen above, a majority of the rookies selected are from the offensive side, which explains why Shenault is the Jags’ lone representative. Other notable rookies who received an invite includes quarterback Joe Burrow, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and receiver Tee Higgins to name a few.
As for Shenault, the Jags took him with the No. 42 overall pick out of the University of Colorado. While there, he proved to be a versatile weapon (playing receiver, wild-cat quarterback, and running back), racking up 149 career receptions for 1,943 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns.
The team was in need of a threat alongside D.J. Chark Jr. on the perimeter and it appears they believe Shenault can be that. With an experienced offensive coordinator in Jay Gruden joining the staff this offseason the rookie receiver should get a solid amount of playtime this season.