Draft Season At Vikings Territory: WR Sterling Shepard Scouting Report

Brett Anderson |

Feb 21, 2016

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][This Sterling Shepard Scouting Report, with a Vikings slant, has been provided to Vikings Territory by Draft Season. Be sure to check back for more and also be sure to visit Draft Season to quench your NFL Draft thirst. All previously published scouting reports can be found by clicking here.]

Sterling Shepard | Wide Receiver, Oklahoma

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Measurements

Height – 5’10”
Weight – 193 lbs.
Age – 21-22 yrs.

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At First Glance

First Team All-Big 12

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Projected Round:

2nd to 3rd Round

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Pros

Shifty, quick receiver who finds a way to separate from bigger defenders

Quick feet and turns on a dime

Plays tough even with his small frame, doesn’t show much fear

Soft hands, has ability to go get the ball

Outstanding route running and technique

Plenty of experience against top talent, started as a Freshman

Adds value on special teams with his ability to return punts[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Cons

Undersized frame which will have NFL teams leery

Will most likely top out as a number 2 or 3 receiver in the NFL

Needs to prove he can get off the line against bigger, physical corners[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1456088965780{padding-top: 15px !important;background-color: #dbdbdb !important;}”]

NFL Player Comparison:

Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers

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The Vikings Slant

Vikings fit? Possibly

Yes, wide receiver will be a big need for the Vikings come April – but the keyword is ‘big’. Minnesota has their share of small shifty receivers. It is time to add some size to the receiving corps – something that Shepard certainly doesn’t have.

That said, if a guy like Shepard starts falling in the draft, he is pretty much game for anyone. And really, you can’t have enough playmakers. While there are concerns about his size, Shepard has always seemed to overcome it. Time and time again, he makes tough plays and gets yards after the catch, proving he has the ability to be a starting wide receiver in the NFL. So while he might not perfectly fit the mold the Vikings are looking for in a receiver, he could someone they just can’t pass up in later rounds.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]