Panthers HC sees similarities between WR Laviska Shenault, 49ers star
Though Laviska Shenault Jr. is not quite the caliber of player San Francisco 49ers star Deebo Samuel is, Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich sees similarities between the two receivers.
Despite a disappointing first season with the Panthers last year, Reich admitted that he’s searching for more ways to involve Shenault in the offensive game plan, similar to how the 49ers employ Samuel.
“You look at guys like Deebo Samuel and stuff like that and say, 'Can Laviska do some of that?'” Reich told reporters on Thursday. “Of course he can. We'll experiment with some of that stuff. We'll experiment with some of that stuff. Some of it will get incorporated and some of it won't."
Although Samuel was banged up for a portion of the 2022 season, he was arguably the most dynamic offensive player in the NFL in 2021. His 1,770 yards from scrimmage (1,405 receiving, 365 rushing) was the third-most that year and he averaged the third-most yards per touch (13). His 14 combined touchdowns were also tied for the seventh-most.
While those are lofty expectations, Reich believes Shenault is more than capable.
“We'll continue to investigate the different roles he can play,” Reich said. “Obviously, even if we have this grandiose plan, which maybe we do, but I wouldn't reveal that here and now, all the different ways you can use him.”
Shenault has never had more than 76 touches or 691 yards from scrimmage in any of his three seasons. However, he’s never been used much in the running game (the most carries he’s had in a season was the 18 he had during his rookie season in Jacksonville) and he’s had inconsistent quarterback play in two of his three seasons.
With a patchwork group of receivers that includes Adam Thielen, D.J. Chark, Terrace Marshall Jr. and rookie Jonathan Mingo, Shenault could be a go-to target for rookie quarterback Bryce Young. Shenault caught 27 of his 32 targets last year, and that number will presumably spike in 2023.
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