Maybe Shep's best chance is to make the practice squad and learn for a year or two like Trindon Holliday did for his first couple of years in the NFL. Even after all of these years, I'm not sure what to think about Russell Shepard's talent. I would say he didn't have SEC level talent but there were a few plays sprinkled throughout his career (similar to Holliday but a little less in frequency) that made it natural to wonder if he wasn't used as effectively as possible. I'll be pulling for him but will be surprised if he ever makes a roster.
Problem with Shep is he is not even a home run threat like that of Holliday. He offers very little to any NFL team. He has to be the most disappointing #1 overall HS prospect rated by rivals in their history.
I always thought that we under-utilized Ford, but he honetly would have been much better off in a spread/spread-option type of offense. I can see the knocks on him of not being a very good blocker and having a tendency to bust everything outside. For as strong as he is, he wasn't ever really in a hurry to lay the wood.
I agree with the comparison to Holliday but did want to point out that Shep averaged 6.88 yards per rush during his LSU career. For at least a couple of those years, I knew he was getting the ball before the snap because of how predictable our offense had become (same could be said of Holliday at times). That makes the average even more impressive. He was extremely elusive at the highest level of Texas high school football. I'm happy that the Eagles are giving him a chance because I think it will answer some questions. If he somehow sticks in the NFL for a few years, then we probably did not utilize him correctly. Otherwise, he was just overrated coming out of high school.
This guy praising Ford is the Chicago Bears Radio Network Sideline Reporter/Host of Bears All Access Zach Zaidman @ZachZaidman 8h LSU RB Michael Ford impressing coaching staff at #Bears rookie minicamp, especially with his return skills on special teams.
Jeremy Stoltz of Bears Report: "Ford stands out amongst rookies...Michael Ford was impressive in rookie minicamp both as a ball carrier and kick returner"
Philadelphia Eagles' Brad Wing speaks to members of the media during an availability after rookie camp at the team's NFL football practice facility on Friday, May 10, 2013, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
