RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

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

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

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.