The stereotype #1 WR doesn't exist in this draft. There are guys who do certain things well, but not one who does it all.VikingLord wrote:For me, Sheppard is the guy you draft who has the potential to be a 10 year starter at his position. That doesn't mean he'll be a star per se, but he is a guy who is going to make the team better and add stability. Is he going to be better than Jarius Wright in the slot? That's harder to say, but given what I know about him and what I've seen of him I'd say he'd be a great pickup circa the 3rd round if Spielman can manage it.
That said, he doesn't really solve the immediate need of a true #1 WR for the Vikings, and honestly, I'm not sure there is a guy in this draft who will solve that need. Doctson can go over the top and make plays, but he's not really a dominant prospect in terms of size or speed. Thomas strikes me as a guy who could develop, but is far from a sure bet and doesn't really flash anything I would say warrants the #23 slot. Ditto for Treadwell. I'm just not sold on WR at #23 in this draft. I think there will be better 10-year starter prospects at other positions when that pick comes around (several on defense), and I hope Spielman doesn't force a pick here. If he really loves a WR in this draft, he'd be better off staying pat at #23 and taking the BPA there, then maybe trying to move up into the top of the 2nd to get his WR IMHO.
There's a conversation to be had regarding what a true #1 really is. To me a true #1 is a guy who can consistently be counted on to make plays all over the field. Being 6'2" doesn't seem to be a prerequisite given that the best WR in the league is Antonio Brown. Brown is 5'10" 190 same as Sterling Shepard, Steve Smith has been dominant for years and he's 5'9". Why couldn't Sterling Shepard do the same?
I think Shepard probably fits best with what an offense with Teddy should be doing anyway. Someone who can get open quickly with precise routes and make plays after the catch. I see alot of talk about needing somone who can catch jump balls, which is valuable, but still only a small portion of the game. Give me a guy who can get open consistently and be in the right place every time and I'll be happy.