Sterling Shepard: NFL Offensive Rookie Of The Year Candidate

New York Giants second round draft pick Sterling Shepard has been receiving high praise and some believe the Oklahoma Sooners wideout could be Offensive Rookie of the Year. Let’s look at his odds of winning, who he’s up against, and what the experts are saying.

Since the NFL Draft concluded in late April, early May, it seems the Giants draft pick to get the most positive coverage and commentary on his play and his situation is Sterling Shepard. Over the past six weeks, as we’ve gone from voluntary mini-camp to OTAs to mandatory mini-camp, Shepard has been the talk of the team. Though, we’ve yet to see Shepard in full uniform in a full-contact game, the hype surrounding Sterling is reaching incredible levels.

However, Shepard’s not the only Giants rookie who’s in the discussion for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Fifth round draft pick Paul Perkins is a dark horse candidate according to oddsmakers in Las Vegas. Pro Football Focus also gave Perkins the second highest grade among college running backs drafted this year, behind the Ohio State crop topper.

Oddsshark.com passed along the odds from Bovada (as of May 18th) and Ezekiel Elliott is the clear-cut favorite. However, Oddsshark taps the brakes, stating:

"“The running back position has seen a resurgence recently with RB’s becoming legitimate threats to win the OROY. Two of the past three OROY winners – Eddie Lacy and Todd Gurley – carried the rocks for their respective teams. However, running backs selected in the top five have a less-than-stellar track record in their first season with the past three – Trent Richardson, Darren McFadden and Reggie Bush – averaging 671 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in their rookie campaigns.”"

2016 NFL OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR ODDS

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With the First Pick

Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) -125
Jared Goff (LA) +650
Josh Doctson (WAS) +1200
Laquon Treadwell (MIN) +1200
Derrick Henry (TEN) +1600
Corey Coleman (CLE) +1600
Kenneth Dixon (BAL) +1600
Jordan Howard (CHI) +1600
Sterling Sheppard (NYG) +1600
Will Fuller (HOU) +2500
Paul Perkins (NYG) +3300
Braxton Miller (HOU) +3300
Devontae Booker (DEN) +3300
C.J. Prosise (SEA) +3300
Carson Wentz (PHI) +4000

Here were the odds on May 4th…

Jared Goff (LA) +200
Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) +250
Derrick Henry (TEN) +700
Corey Coleman (CLE) +750
Josh Doctson (WAS) +1200
Laquon Treadwell (MIN) +1200
Kenneth Dixon (BAL) +1400
Jordan Howard (CHI) +1400
Sterling Sheppard (NYG) +1600
Paul Perkins (NYG) +1600

Chase Howell of Pro Football Focus provided three OROY candidates to watch who aren’t named Ezekiel Elliott: San Diego Chargers tight end Hunter Henry, Baltimore Ravens running back Kenneth Dixon, and Cleveland Browns Corey Coleman.

Cover32 had Sterling ranked third on their shortlist of offensive rookie of the year candidates, adding:

"“At this point who knows if they will ever be able to really put Victor Cruz back together again? The Giants needed to move on and find a real WR2 to pair with Odell Beckham Jr., and Shepard certainly looks the part. He may be a little undersized for a NFL wideout, but Shepard’s 41 inch vertical leap and smooth route running will make him dangerous.”"

The NFL Now crew also had Shepard third on their list of offensive rookie of the year candidates with former Giants center Shaun O’Hara citing the attention Odell Beckham will attract plus Ben McAdoo’s proclivity for passing over running as reasons for Shepard’s case. Host Colleen Wolfe also labeled Shep a “great route runner”. Just watching that video of his highlights has me jacked up about Shep’s potential.

Next: Projecting The Giants Depth Chart & 53-Man Roster

It’s easy to see why Shepard has the better odds over Perkins – Paul’s got to fight three or more backs to get snaps and touches while Shepard should see the field right off the bat thanks to McAdoo’s preference for three wide receiver sets. Though Sterling should have the immediate impact, Perkins appears to be the back of the future. With all these weapons, one only hopes we avoid the Tiki Barber – Plaxico Burress – Jeremy Shockey debacle of the mid-2000s. Sharing is caring, guys. Plenty of targets to go around.