Sterling Shepard should immediately start for New York Giants
New York Giants rookie wide receiver Sterling Shepard is an impact talent who needs to come in and start immediately.
With the continued injuries of Victor Cruz, the New York Giants have struggled to find a strong receiver to play opposite of superstar Odell Beckham. That being said, rookie wide receiver Sterling Shepard is an impressive talent who should be given every opportunity to be that guy.
The New York Giants’ selection of cornerback Eli Apple with the 10th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft was almost universally hated. Apple has some nice upside at CB, but the pick seemed like a major reach. However, the Giants helped make up for that decision in the eyes of most with the selection of Shepard in the second-round (40th overall).
Listed at 5-foot-10, 194 pounds Shepard does not exactly have ideal size for an NFL receiver. That being said, he more than makes up for his lack of size with an incredible combination of speed, quickness and raw athleticism.
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With his lack of size and ridiculous quickness in short spaces, Shepard is commonly looked at as a slot receiver. Shepard does have great ability to make plays out of the slot. His route-running skills are tremendous, as he is commonly getting open in the short passing game. His run-after-catch ability is also legitimate, showing an innate ability to make defenders miss with quick moves.
Shepard has some massive upside as a slot receiver in the NFL, but his game is not limited to playing inside. To go along with his quickness, Shepard also shows legitimate game-breaking speed and enough leaping ability to pretty much make up for his lack of size in the air. Also, his ability to track the ball and put himself in a great position to catch the ball is elite, along with a ridiculous ability to make plays along the sideline without going out of bounds.
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Shepard does have great ability in the short passing game, but his impressive straight-line speed gives him nice upside as a deep receiver as well, which is obviously a huge part of playing on the outside. Also, while Shepard does lack strength that causes him to struggle against press coverage at times, his quick feet and hands usually allow him to escape off of the snap well.
Yes, it is undoubtedly true that Shepard is a great receiver out of the slot. But if the Giants decide to use him there exclusively, they are not taking full advantage of his full ability. Shepard is a bit on the small-side, but his play-making skills are legit.
He has an incredible overall skill-set, and his success as a play-maker in the short passing game will particularly come in handy in Ben McAdoo’s version of the West Coast offense. Some will gripe about Shepard’s size, but considering he is listed only an inch shorter and four pounds lighter than Beckham, I do not see that as an issue unless the skills are not legit.
Take a moment to watch Shepard for yourself. It does not take long to see that his skills are legit.
The always under-performing Rueben Randle is gone and Victor Cruz has not played a down in an NFL game since October of 2014.
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Knowing that, the Giants do not have anyone who should be stepping in the way of Shepard as the starting receiver opposite of Beckham. Let the young guy come in and thrive.