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New York Giants: WR Sterling Shepard Primed for OROY Candidacy?

By Maurice Moton

May 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) during rookie minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) during rookie minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /
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Should we keep an eye on New York Giants wideout Sterling Shepard as a darkhorse candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors?

New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard answering media questions at rookie minicamp.
May 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) during rookie minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /

Sterling Shepard could become the second New York Giants wide receiver to earn Offensive Rookie of the Year honors after fellow wideout Odell Beckham accomplished the feat in 2014.

For starters, let’s not compare Shepard to Beckham, who’s one of best receivers in the game. However, the Giants’ frequent strikes through the air over the past two seasons could yield astronomical numbers for the second-round pick.

The Giants have become a top-10 passing team in yards and touchdowns over the past two seasons. It’s no coincidence that Beckham joined the team, and the stats immediately jumped off the page.

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Nonetheless, now-head coach Ben McAdoo served as an offensive coordinator in the previous two years and deserves some credit for limiting turnovers.

Quarterback Eli Manning’s interception rate has dropped significantly. In 2013, the Giants’ signal-caller threw 27 interceptions but only tossed the ball to the opposing team 28 times in the last two years combined.

With McAdoo running the show, Beckham still healthy and wideout Victor Cruz on a gradual comeback, Shepard should see enough targets to surge in numerous receiving categories.

The Giants don’t field the most explosive ground attack, which puts more pressure on Manning to move the ball downfield with his arm. Beckham will continue to see double teams in coverage. Shepard will have ample opportunities to take advantage of one-on-one situations where ever he lines up.

According to NJ.com reporter Jordan Raanan, Manning witnessed Shepard’s superior ball-tracking skills:

Here’s what NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein said about the Oklahoma standout’s catching ability and competitive nature:

"Will adjust routes to ball placement. Not afraid over the middle. Born to catch a football. Just eight drops with 253 catches and is able to adjust to high, low or behind him for difficult catches. Loves to compete. Willing to jump into a cornerback and get after him as a blocker from slot."

Zierlein’s assessment sounds like a prospect who’s ready to produce in the NFL. Shepard will quickly earn Manning’s trust as the season progresses.

As for Cruz, he’s still working out the kinks on the practice field, provided by NJ.com.

Cruz had a scary spill working with trainers but finished the drill. It’s good to see him shake off the missteps, but it shows he’s not going to look like Cruz between the 2011-13 seasons out of the gate.

Once the 2016 season kicks off, Cruz will attempt to shake off nearly two years of rust. Shepard starts the season sharp as a blade ready to cut through defenses with precise routes and sticky hands.

We’d all love to see Cruz’s salsa dance in full effect, but he needs time to recollect his Pro Bowl form.

Shepard will take an early sidekick role to Beckham. As a No. 2 receiver in the Giants offense, he’ll see at least 75 targets during the season. Former Giant and current Philadelphia Eagles wideout Rueben Randle converted 90 targets into 57 catches, 797 yards and eight touchdowns during the previous season.

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No disrespect to Randle, but if he struggled and still managed to put up those numbers, the Giants’ second-round pick can accomplish so much more with his skill set.

Shepard’s route-running and hand-eye coordination should put him over the top, literally and on the stat sheet among rookies. He’ll likely see extensive work during training camp to prepare for a big season in the Meadowlands.

Another highly touted rookie, Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott will split production with two other viable ball-carriers in the backfield. In a highly productive passing attack, Shepard has a less crowded lane toward Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

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