Finding Broncos: Laviska Shenault, Jr., WR, Colorado

Measurements

Height: 6-foot-1

Weight: 227

Arms: 31-7/8 inches

Hands: 9 inches

Combine Results

40: 4.58 seconds

Bench Press (225 lbs): 17 reps

Stats

Pros

Can play everywhere on offense
Elite quickness
Plenty of game speed
Runs with power after the catch
Uses his big frame well
Has strong hands to go pluck the ball
Can catch corners sleeping in coverage
Height/weight/speed receiver
Instant plucking of the ball
Deep ball tracking is superb
Brings power like a RB
Instinctive route runner
Boxes out corners
Turns into a RB with the ball in his hands
Can be deadly anywhere on the field at any level
Good adjustments in the air
Will square up to the QB when he can
Gathers himself quickly into breaks
Runs routes with proper pad level
Reliable blocker

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Cons

Production didn’t match 2018 in 2019
Durability
Lot of missed time due to injuries
Finer nuances of route running need refinement
Doesn’t always battle press coverage very well
Can telegraph his route
Doesn’t sell route fakes
Willing to take contact when he can avoid it
Loves the physical aspect, which doesn’t bode well with durability concerns
Blocking angles could use work

Overview

If it were not for the medicals, Laviska Shenault would be a top-4 receiver in this class. There have been positive comments made about the injuries he sustained at Colorado and that the medical staff held him out of games to avoid exacerbating them, which would be a good thing.

However, at the Combine when Shenalut ran a 40-yard dash with an injured groin, he only made it worse, and that's what is concerning. With no medical re-check available due to the social distancing guidelines still in place, teams have to be cautious.

The traits Shenault has on the field are exceptional and he can win from anywhere in the offense, which makes him a very valuable weapon. Being a physical player with durability concerns, though, is a major issue for the NFL.

Fit with Broncos

Before Shenault re-injured his groin, he made a lot of sense for the Broncos earlier in the draft. In the wake of his reaggravated groin, he still makes a lot of sense, but maybe later in the draft. There are a couple of advantages the Broncos have that could allow the team to gain more insight into Shenault's medical history.

Broncos' Director of Player Personnel Matt Russell has deep connections to the University of Colorado, as well as Shenault just being in the neighborhood, so to speak. Shenault is a good scheme fit, if Denver can find someone else to stretch the field. The Broncos have a good medical staff, and could use Shenault in multiple ways, mixing him in to try and help keep him healthy and available.

Grade: No. 38 overall prospect

Where he Goes: Round 3

Follow Erick on Twitter @ErickTrickel and @MileHighHuddle.