Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Benny Shepherd () - 1973 NFL Draft Pick #163 by MIA

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Benny Shepherd - 1973 NFL Draft

Player Overview:

• Name: Benny Shepherd
• Position: Defensive Back
• College: University of Southern California (USC)

Strengths:

• Versatile Skill Set: Shepherd demonstrated the ability to play multiple positions in the defensive backfield, showcasing both cornerback and safety skills.
• Speed and Agility: His quickness and agility made him a formidable opponent in man-to-man coverage, allowing him to stay with most receivers.
• Intelligence: Known for his football IQ, Shepherd had a keen understanding of offensive strategies, which helped him anticipate plays effectively.
• Leadership Qualities: As a team captain at USC, he exhibited strong leadership on and off the field, earning the respect of teammates and coaches alike.

Areas for Improvement:

• Size Concerns: At 5'10", Shepherd was considered smaller than the prototypical NFL defensive back, which could be a disadvantage against larger receivers.
• Consistency: While he showed flashes of brilliance, there were moments where his performance dipped, leading to questions about his consistency in high-pressure situations.

Projected Impact:

• Many analysts believed that Benny Shepherd could be a solid contributor as a rookie, particularly on special teams, with the potential to develop into a starting defensive back within a few seasons.
• His versatility was seen as a valuable asset, making him a candidate for teams looking to bolster their defensive backfield depth.

Conclusion:
Benny Shepherd was considered a promising prospect in the 1973 NFL Draft, with a blend of skills that could make him a valuable asset in the right system. His collegiate experience and leadership traits positioned him as a potential mid-round selection, with teams intrigued by his upside despite some concerns regarding his size and consistency.