An undrafted North Dakota State product standing in at 5-10 with a 4.57-second 40-time in the books, wide receiver Darrius Shepherd is far from a sure thing to make the Green Bay Packers, considering him as a prospect. But, if he can play, he can play. Which, hint: he's doing in training camp.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said on Tuesday, per USA Today. “He’s been a nice surprise for us so far. Long way to go, but he’s earned more opportunities.”
It's not like Shepherd wasn't productive as a North Dakota State Bison. He finished his four-year college career with 188 receptions for 2,841 yards and 20 touchdowns. In his senior year alone, he tallied 62 receptions for 1,065 yards and nine touchdowns. Despite that, he was passed over 256 times. Gutekunst doesn't have an answer as to why; as he said per USA Today on Tuesday,
“It’s tough to say. He had a pretty productive year at a very good program, but a smaller program. Obviously he’s not the biggest player out there. His measurements aren’t typically what you’re looking for. Didn’t run particularly fast at his pro day. But he’s a football player.”
Nonetheless, Shepherd is a Packer. In his NFL debut, in a 28-26 preseason win against the Houston Texans, he impressed as he caught a 14-yard touchdown pass.
“He has that instinctual ability to find spots, get open, catch the ball. He’s had a really good start,” Gutekunst said, per USA Today. “He had some production at North Dakota State, but the fact that he’s versatile enough to play receiver, play slot receiver that Matt [LeFleur] wants to play, and he was a solid punt returner too.”
As Gutekist said, Shepherd will see more opportunities. That's music to his ears, as he faces an uphill battle to make the roster. He'll be competing against Jake Kumero, Trevor Davis, Allen Lazard, Teo Redding, and Malik Taylor to make a youth-infused receiving room.
Follow Us
Subscribe