The Giants selected Shepard in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, 40th overall.

The Giants selected Shepard in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, 40th overall.

Analysis:

This looks like a great pick for the Giants. Shepard doesn't have obvious WR1 potential at just 5-foot-10, 194 pounds, but he's an extremely accomplished receiver who checks all the required boxes to emerge as a standout NFL receiver. He caught 233 passes for 3,482 yards and 26 touchdowns in 49 career games at Oklahoma, and he demonstrated encouraging athleticism by running a 4.48-second 40-yard dash and logging a 41-inch vertical at the Combine. Victor Cruz is not guaranteed to return to his pre-injury form, so Shepard could earn a leading role alongside Odell Beckham sooner than expected.