Shepherd is a different type from Neyor and Sturdivant. He’s not fast. He has a great 40.5’ vertical and excellent body control for a tall man making a huge catch radius. He wins by route precision/technique to get separation. He reminds me a bit of Doubs in that respect, but with the ability to go up for the ball. He is effective in contested situations. He’d be a logical candidate to fill in at the X position/role that Doubs occupied as a chain mover and a good red zone target (as shown last summer) if injuries strike.

Sturdivant is a long strider. He is a more straight line, deep threat guy. Neyor has quicker feet and more lateral versatility, though not to the extent that Watson does. In essence, if he has refined his technique as seems to be being suggested, physically Neyor could play any role in theory. All have good hands, are physical, all can get vertical and all are willing blockers.

Shepherd is far more polished, or was last season. If Neyor really has taken a technical leap, be excited. If he gets even close to his athletic potential then he’s going to be on the roster and will get snaps. That kind of talent just does if it breaks out, no matter humble origins.

Neyor, Sturdivant, and Sheppard, along with Moore & Melton, are all solid blockers and have great hands, which was a major red flag with Wicks and Doubs struggled with drops too. We just lost 2 WRs that had solid statistical impact and I don't see a huge dropoff. These other guys lack experience but have great potential.

I read an article by someone who was rating the fastest WR groups in the NFL, GB was 2nd.
Another positive is that we have 3 guys with the same body type who could fill in for Watson. And 2 guys that could fill in for Reed if he misses time.

TE needs this kind of strength now too. Lombardi Ave printed a story that I read elsewhere about making a trade for the Rams Colby Parkinson because they are loaded @ TE. Parkinson is a great blocker and solid pass catcher having his best year in 2025 with 43 catches & 6 TDs. He is also a monster @ 6'7 265 lbs. Offer 1 of our 6th round comp picks and get it done.

Well, if everyone stays healthy, maybe. However, not a lot of blocking from the WRs there except Watson and not a lot at TE if Kraft is actually running routes. So not really practical in the LaFleur Os we’ve seen to date.

Then there’s injuries. While starters may play that often, who the starters are is much more fluid. Historically, in teams that run 2-3 WR sets (as we do), 4 or 5 players end up starting (counting slots) during a regular season and 6 or 7 get notable playing time.

"Anybody want to take a bet on how many times this season we have all four available?"

Lol no, but our top 3 combined with #8 and 85 all on the field at the same time sure seems pretty unstoppable! Adding a solid blocker at TE gives another layer of versatility allowing for legitimate 3 TE sets if MLF ever wants to pull out a play like that, as much 12 personnel as he wants to use, and we could also have 2 RBs who can both catch on the field even without the fabled Marshawn Lloyd.

I hope Gutey can wait until we really know what the greatest remaining need is before pulling the trigger on the next signing ...