Laviska

Shenault Jr.

Shenault (6’1/227) is a powerful receiver with strong short-area explosion who battled injuries and questionable usage in college, making him a risky prospect with high-end upside. In 2018, he had the second most receptions per game (9.6) among FBS sophomores since at least 2000, but he was slowed down by injuries last season. Those setbacks, unfortunately, were brought on by his physical playing style and usage. Per PFF, only 25% of his targets traveled beyond 10 yards of the line of scrimmage with Colorado deploying him as a gadget player who even lined up as a Wildcat runner in goal line situations. At the next level, he will likely do most of his damage underneath, but he has flashed the ability to win deep, too. It will take some development to make Shenault an all-around receiver, but his athleticism is intriguing if his health cooperates.

In case you’re not up on the math, the 68th pick would be the fourth pick of third round. Once considered the top wideout prospect in the draft, Shenault has seen his draft stock fall mostly due to durability issues. “With a left tackle in the first round and a YAC monster here, Sam Darnold will be a happy quarterback,” Brugler writes. If he does fall this far, the Jets will be, too.

Shenault (6'1/227) is only six weeks removed from undergoing surgery, and the video of him running routes lines up with the doctor’s prediction that he would be back to full strength after the draft. The former Colorado standout is expected to be off the board within the top 50 picks, but the medical concerns are still there given how banged up he was in college. Maybe this development helps him in the eyes of some teams, but the wide receiver position in this year’s draft is incredibly deep.

“I watched Laviska go through regular football drills yesterday (note: the letter was sent on April 14), yesterday at 5 1/2 weeks postop and he looked terrific,” Meyers says in the memo. “I believe by April 25, 2020, he will be 100% for full football activities.” That’s obviously good news for Shenault’s draft stock; as the talented wideout underwent core surgery in March. He’s battled other injuries in his time with the Buffaloes, but the talented wideout is still likely off the board in the first 50 selections.

The caveat to this scout’s Patterson comparison? “Not as explosive,” said this particular scout. He also mentioned that he does not see the same type of player former Ole Miss WR A.J. Brown is in Shenault, in large part because Brown was much better at contested catches. Shenault (6'1/227) is a tough, versatile player, but the general belief is he will need to iron out his route running in order to become a legit receivers as opposed to just a gadget player. Shenault ranked 10th among WRs in McGinn’s poll among NFL executives and scouts.

Shenault (6'1/227) has some questions to answer regarding his durability, as he missed multiple games during his Colorado career due to injury. Add in the fact that he underwent core muscle surgery after the NFL Scouting Combine, and the former Buffalo’s draft prospects are likely to take a hit. When it comes to his future in the NFL, while Shenault is certainly a big-play threat there’s room for growth. “Despite his traits and talent, there is work to be done as route-runner and coordinators need to determine how best to use him,” Zierlein wrote. “He’s a high-end talent, but not a sure thing.”

Shenault (6'1/227) managed a forgettable 4.58-second 40-yard dash on Thursday. Looks like there was a reason for that. ESPN’s Adam Schefter hears that the Colorado standout will be looking at a recovery timetable of 4-6 weeks, while NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport passes along that NFL teams were informed of the upcoming surgery on Sunday morning. Shenault -- who ran into multiple health concerns at CU -- will not be taking part in his program’s pro day later this spring but should be healthy for the start of NFL training camps.

If you want to get scientific, Shenault was diagnosed with ostetis pubis. Per Schefter, the wideout remains hopeful that he will be able to take part in combine and pro day testing in the weeks ahead. Workouts should not be considered a given, though, as while the 6-foot-2, 220-pound CU product looks like he will avoid surgery, he still needs to rest up the injury concern. Medical checks at the combine are going to matter for Shenault, who dealt with various injury concerns at Colorado even before this newest ailment was diagnosed. Shenault could still slot as high as Day 1 come April if everything breaks right for him ahead.

Shenault ranks 15th overall in the PFF ranks. “Shenault is still more of an offensive weapon than a wide receiver,” writes Mike Renner, “but he’s one deadly weapon, nonetheless.” The 6-foot-2, 220-pound wideout has shown that when he’s healthy he’s an absolute matchup nightmare, but health has been an issue, and as Renner notes, much of his damage hasn’t been downfield. We think that has a little something to do with the system and quarterback, but that’s certainly something teams will be taking a look at come draft day(s).

Shenault (6'2/220) finished the 2019 campaign the owner of a 56-764-4 receiving line in 11 games. It was a somewhat down season for the CU standout, who showed out with an 86-catch, 1,011-yard campaign in 2018. Onward to the pros, now. Shenault very much figures to be in the Day 1 mix come the spring. Earlier this fall, NFL Films’ Greg Cosell tossed out several mouthwatering comps for his game, noting that Shenault plays in the mold of NFL standouts such as DeAndre Hopkins and Sammy Watkins.