Sterling Shepard (87) is expected to have an immediate impact with the Giants
New York Giants’ rookie wide receiver, Sterling Shepard, is already turning heads at practice. Shepard recently squared off with fellow rookie Eli Apple. Apple was struggling to cover Shepard, who’s speed is off the charts. At the rate practice is going, Shepard could easily make a push to become the Giants’ starting No. 2 option at receiver. Victor Cruz appears to have let his past injuries get the best of him. He is lacking the explosive first step that he used to have.
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It is clear that the coaches have noticed Shepard’s talent and Cruz’s woes. The teams’ first unofficial depth chart has been released and Shepard is ranked first in the “WR2” category. From a fantasy football perspective, players should go all in on Shepard.
It’s safe to assume that Shepard will probably remain ahead of Cruz on the depth chart as preseason winds down. Shepard is younger, has more elusiveness, and is faster than Cruz. Cruz recently missed another practice with a groin injury, and the Giants’ coaching staff is not going to take his injury concerns lightly.
Eli Manning and Odell Beckham thrived in Ben McAdoo’s west coast style offense. Shepard will be able to put up stunning numbers as a rookie. The production may not be similar to Odell Beckham’s freshman campaign, but if Shepard can come close, that is still a major asset to the team. One issue fantasy football players may worry about is if he will see enough playing time as a starter. That argument is moot, simply because McAdoo stated that he isn’t afraid to start rookies in important positions. McAdoo’s outlook on Shepard greatly increases his fantasy value.
Ben McAdoo was only the offensive coordinator when Manning and Beckham reaped the benefits of the new offensive system. Now that he has full control of the team, Shepard and the rest of the Giants’ offense may be able to produce even better numbers.
As far as fantasy football value goes, Shepard is obviously projected to be taken in the later rounds of the draft because he is unproven. However, he is the perfect candidate to “roll the dice” on. Fantasy football isn’t won only by strategy, but also by taking risks. Shepard is one of those that you’ll want to be in on.
Anthony Sciarratta is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Anthony follow him on Twitter @ant_sciarratta.
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