Sterling Shepard, Oklahoma (5’10 | 194 | 4.43) – One of the most polished route-runners in the draft, who consistently creates separation with quick feet and the ability to run any route in the tree. When healthy, Shepard was the Sooners go-to option and came up with plenty of big catches in clutch situations. He’s shown a knack for finding the chains or goal-line and doing whatever it takes to get there.
Shepard is under-sized, but a legitimate weapon in the slot. His quickness and route running ability make him almost impossible to jam at the line of scrimmage, he has the hands to catch everything in his radius, a 41″ vertical to play bigger than his size, and is as elusive as any receiver in the draft after the catch. Shepard is also tougher than he looks with no fear about lowering his shoulder and fighting for the first down or end zone.
It’s hard to find a weakness in Shepard’s game but he is smaller than ideal, lacks elite speed, and had a handful of minor injuries in college, but I’m nitpicking at this point. Shepard is a good enough route-runner to step into the slot right away and be a dangerous weapon. He reminds me of Randall Cobb and could have a similar impact if his smallish frame can hold up to an NFL beating.
Shepard would give the Bears a dangerous weapon in the slot, who can make people miss and has the ability to make tough catches all over the field. They do have veteran Eddie Royal and the surprisingly clutch Marc Mariani in the slot, but Shepard’s route-running, elusiveness after the catch, and sure hands can’t be matched by either player. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Shepard win the starting slot job as a rookie, making him well worth a second round selection.
Next: Tyler Boyd