Loser: Sterling Shepard, wide receiver, New York Giants
Shepard’s rookie season progressed swimmingly in 2016. Enough so that he managed 65 catches for a total of 683 yards and a stunning eight touchdowns. Those eight scores were only two shy of Odell Beckham Jr.’s end zone trips.
Shepard’s production was enough that the Giants showed fellow wideout Victor Cruz the door. Cruz was the obvious odd-man out in the Giants’ receiving trio last year.
But Shepard might be feeling a bit lonely now that the team has signed veteran Brandon Marshall. Marshall is 10 years older than Shepard, but still plays at a high level. The six-time Pro Bowler is already featured ahead of Shepard on the team’s unofficial depth chart.
Marshall should excel with OBJ collecting double teams on the other side of the field. Unfortunately, his presence does push Shepard down on the depth chart.