Eagles Scouting Report: WR Sterling Shepard

Sterling Shepard could be an option for the Eagles.

Well documented is the Philadelphia Eagles need for a difference maker at the wide receiver position; it’s highly likely that the organization leaves no stone unturned in its quest to revitalize the offense. Bearing that in mind, I’ve made it a priority to take a deeper look at some of this year’s wide receiver prospects. This series started with Baylor star Corey Coleman, and continues with a player of similar stature but a far different mold: Oklahoma standout, WR Sterling Shepard. Without further beating around the bush, we’ll jump right into Shepard’s evaluation.

Strengths

Shepard fits the mold of the small and shifty possession receiver extremely well. He’s not blazingly fast by any stretch, but he does possess good speed (as evidenced by his 4.47 40 time). That is to say, he can run by defensive backs, but he makes his mark with very proficient route-running ability, soft, steady hands, and the concentration/hand strength to make plays in traffic. Shepard makes sharp decisive cuts and is good in and out of his breaks. He isn’t Odell Beckham in terms of raw agility and sharpness, but he’s technically proficient, has some suddenness to his game, and punishes defensive backs who aren’t deliberate. Shepard’s pro quarterback will find a very reliable target, who has all the skills to run a full, polished route-tree.

One aspect of Shepard’s game that I find very appealing is his instinctual prowess. He has an excellent feel for coverages –which outlines his route-running ability– and often exploits the soft spots in zone. Moreover, Shepard does an excellent job with the ball in his hands. He’s only moderately explosive, but he has excellent vision, and wastes very little movement in his cuts/angles. It’s difficult to quantify, but Shepard just has a great feel for the game. He weaves in and out of traffic and simply understands angles and other nuances. Shepard isn’t an elite ankle-breaker, but his skills –vision, instincts, and shiftiness– are on display every time he finds himself in space. He doesn’t waste movement in his cuts, and he’s very deliberate in his motions. This all equates to Shepard gobbling up what I’d call “smart yards;” production created by the subtlety and preciseness of his propensities as a ball-carrier.

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Weaknesses

As I alluded to earlier, Shepard isn’t a physically imposing specimen, standing at just 5’10” 194 pounds (that includes length as well, although he has big hands at 9 3/4 inches). Whereas Corey Coleman’s skill-set transcends his size, Shepard is decidedly limited because of it. He isn’t really a red zone threat, nor does he possess what I’d consider even average play-strength. Shepard can make some plays on the ball in the air, but he isn’t super agressive/strong at catch-point. He basically is what he is; a proficient route-runner and strong possession receiver with some dynamic ability (doesn’t sound so bad, to be fair).

Still, Shepard’s lack of play-strength continually shows up, as he can get out leveraged on routes, and will struggle against physical corners at the line of scrimmage in the NFL. I also worry about him getting out-muscled at catch-point, though it isn’t as though Shepard is overtly passive receiving the football.

Bottom Line

I foresee Shepard being an excellent complementary piece at the next level. He’ll more than likely go to a team like Seattle, Carolina, or Cincinnatti at the latter part of the 1st, and have an immediate impact catching passes both on the outside and in the slot. Shepard isn’t a physically dominant game-changer, but he’s a fairly versatile and overall awesome piece with the ability to do a lot of things; move the chains, create yards, and contribute a big play here and there.

While I’m sure the Eagles staff will be/are impressed with Shepard, I’d be surprised if he ends up an Eagle. He’ll more than likely go at the tail end of the 1st (he’s not worth 13), and he really doesn’t fit what I’d expect the team is looking for given their current personnel. Shepard will primarily work out of the slot at the next level, and resembles a Randall Cobb-type; a very good complementary piece in his own right. It remains to be seen how the Eagles will address WR this offseason, but I’d anticipate them eyeing a more dynamic physical talent if they’re to spend an early pick, and Shepard isn’t that guy.

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