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Giants 2016 Draft: WR Sterling Shepard doesn't play small

The Giants add Sterling Shepard with their second pick of the 2016 draft

Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants raised eyebrows -- to say the least -- with their selection of Ohio State cornerback Eli Apple with the 10th overall pick of the draft.

With the 40th pick, and their first pick of the second day of the draft, the Giants selected Sterling Shepard, wide receiver out of Oklahoma.

While Shepard isn't the big receiver Giants fans have wanted since before Odell Beckham was drafted in 2014, much like Beckham and the Pittsburgh Steelers Antonio Brown, he plays big.

Shepard should be an immediate contributor, with quickness, body control, sticky hands and advanced route running he is a perfect fit for Ben McAdoo's offense. Despite his pedestrian size, Shepard is explosively powerful with a 41-inch vertical leap and put up an impressive 20 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press at a body weight of 194 pounds. -- for reference, Jason Pierre-Paul put up 19 reps at 270 pounds.

Shepard doesn't have great long speed, only running a 4.48 second 40-yard dash, but he is very quick in and out of his breaks, creating separation with his route running. And despite his stature he has the ability to play wide receiver, in the slot, or out of the backfield, fitting well in McAdoo's tendency to move players all over the offensive formation.

Finally, Shepard is the son of an NFL player, high character, a strong work ethic, and toughness to the offense.

[Prospect Profile]

Who will the Giants select with their third pick?