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With the 2019 NFL Draft firmly in the books, the focus turns to next year’s class of potential first round picks. One of the names being throw out in current mock drafts is that of Colorado Buffaloes receiver Laviska Shenault Jr.
The star playmaker from DeSoto (TX) was the nation’s top receiver through the first seven weeks of the 2018 season, but faced setbacks due lingering injuries and kept the early-season sensation unproductive late. Shenault finished with 86 receptions for 1,011 yards and 11 total touchdowns in 2018.
So, what’s in store for Shenault in his junior season?
A career year to end his time in Boulder, along with being a top ten selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. At least that’s according to several “way too early” mock projections. Here’s a list of places where some believe Shenault could be headed next April.
Dan Kadar, SB Nation: No. 6- Washington Redskins
Todd McShay, ESPN: No. 8- New York Giants
Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune: No. 9- New York Giants
Luke Easterling, USA Today: No. 10- New York Giants
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: No. 10- New York Giants
Ben Standig, NBC Sports: No. 10- Jacksonville Jaguars
Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: No. 12- Carolina Panthers
Bill Bender, Sporting News: No. 19- San Francisco 49ers
Things to consider
Twenty-four players from the University of Colorado have been drafted in the first round in NFL draft history. A total of four wide receivers with Rae Carruth being the last one taken off the board in the first 32 picks. CU’s talented pass catcher was selected 27th overall in 1997 by the Carolina Panthers. Michael Westbrook remains the highest Buffs’ receiver to go in the first round, taken by Washington Redskins at No. 4 in the 1995 draft.
The highest-drafted CU player who’s native to Texas was Houston’s J.V. Cain. The big-target tight end was the No. 7 overall selection of St. Louis Cardinals in 1974. Cain spent four years in the league before his death during training camp on July 22, 1979 which was also his 28th birthday. His No. 88 was retired by the Cardinals during the following season.