Sunday Debate: New York Giants Sterling Shepard Sleeper Offensive Rookie of the Year
In another weekly installment of our Sunday Debate, Mark Morales-Smith and Brendan Pignataro take on another head to head battle. This week they discuss sleeper candidates for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
It’s time for another Sunday Debate. I may still smell a bit like champagne after celebrating last week’s blowout victory. But I’m a fighting champion and it’s time for me to put my undefeated record on the line once again now. This week we’ll be discussing potential sleeper rookie of the year candidates, which is pretty much an easier way of saying anyone but Ezekiel Elliott.
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I believe New York Giants second-round pick Sterling Shepard has a shot to step up and win the Rookie of the Year award in 2016. Everything is set up perfectly for him. Multiple reports out of camp have already stated that he’s locked into the WR2 spot on the depth chart opposite Odell Beckham Jr. Playing opposite OBJ and all the attention he draws should only help Shepard exploit easier coverages.
Prior to the draft I ranked Sterling Shepard as the WR5 in this draft and he could have easily been fourth over Notre Dames’ Will Fuller. Last year at Oklahoma Shepard caught an impressive 86 passes for 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has both the big-play ability and is able to move the chains with his precise route running. This was my write up on Sterling following the draft ranking him as the No. 2 offensive Rookie of the Year candidate after Zeke:
“Shepard should immediately step in as a starting receiver in New York. The Giants have Myles White penciled in as the WR2 (or Victor Cruz if you’re an optimist). That’s a nightmare and Shepard is in position to be a star in the making. He has exceptional feet and may be the finest route runner in this draft. He bursts off of the line, beating defenders with ease, and is outstanding at creating separation at the top of his routes. On top of his speed, he also has the quickness, balance and awareness to cause chaos on opposing secondaries. He’s a tough player as well. The only knock on him is that he stands 5-foot-10, 194 pounds. With Eli Manning and the Giants’ pass-heavy attack, Shepard could be a great option.”
While Beckham will see a ton of targets, there are plenty of passes to go around. Eli Manning was fourth in the league in pass attempts last season and he, Matt Ryan and Drew Brees are the only three quarterbacks in the NFL to throw over 600 passes in each of the past two seasons.
However, what their passing attack has truly missed is a legitimate second option on the outside. Rueben Randle never really panned out. Victor Cruz was supposed to be the complementary piece, but knee injuries have completely derailed his career and I don’t see any kind of bounce back season in his future. Leaving Shepard as the man.
I’m projecting Shepard to total at least 70 receptions, top 900 yards and grab about six touchdown passes. Solid numbers for a rookie wideout. That could be enough to grab him the trophy considering the lack of offensive talent in this year’s draft and some of the top guys falling into less than ideal situations.
must read: NFL: Breakout Player of the Year Candidates
Thanks for reading and this is a wide open topic so I would love to hear all your guys input in the comment section. Whether you agree with me or have your money on another sleeper candidate, let me know what you think.