4 exciting traits Laviska Shenault Jr. brings to the Carolina Panthers
By Preston Seyl
Laviska Shenault Jr. brings a dual-threat ability to the Carolina Panthers
Laviska Sheanult brings a hybrid type of role to Ben McAdoo’s system. As stated previously, he is a big-bodied wide receiver/running back that is athletic enough to hit the perimeter in the run game while having enough physical presence to go between the tackles.
The 6-foot-1, 225-pound weapon was underutilized in the backfield during his two years with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Having to live through Urban Meyer’s disastrous tenure as head coach is also something that went against the wideout.
Shenault is getting a fresh start with the Carolina Panthers, who want as many weapons to surround Baker Mayfield with next season. Not only in the passing game, but the coaching staff also needs to take some load off Christian McCaffrey in terms of touches.
Having McCaffrey and Shenault on the field at the same time – one being the back and the other in the slot – will cause matchup problems that McAdoo and Mayfield can take advantage of. He will bring a Cordarrelle Patterson type of role to the offense as a flex option.
Shenault only saw 11 carries out of the backfield last year for 41 rushing yards. Something that will likely increase in Carolina.
A four-strong running back committee that also features Chuba Hubbard and D’Onta Foreman could be very difficult to gameplan for. Hopefully, it will also keep McCaffrey healthy for a full campaign.