Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Lito Sheppard (Florida) - 2002 NFL Draft Pick #26 by PHI

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Lito Sheppard (2002 NFL Draft)

College: University of Florida
Position: Cornerback

Overview

Lito Sheppard was one of the standout cornerbacks entering the 2002 NFL Draft, known for his athleticism, ball skills, and playmaking ability. During his time at Florida, Sheppard established himself as a premier defensive back, earning accolades for his performance on the field.

Strengths

• Speed and Agility: Sheppard possessed exceptional speed and quickness, allowing him to keep up with fast receivers and change direction swiftly.
• Ball Skills: He demonstrated an ability to track the ball in the air and had a knack for making interceptions, which made him a significant threat in the secondary.
• Cover Ability: Lito was adept in man-to-man coverage and had the confidence to shadow top receivers, showcasing his technique and footwork.
• Playmaking: His ability to make big plays, whether through interceptions or pass break-ups, made him a valuable asset to any defense.

Weaknesses

• Size: At around 5'10" and 185 pounds, some scouts questioned whether he had the size to match up against larger NFL receivers.
• Consistency: While he had standout performances, there were games where he struggled against physical receivers, raising concerns about his consistency at the next level.

Overall Projection

Lito Sheppard was projected to be a first-round pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. His combination of speed, skill, and playmaking ability made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their secondary. Many analysts viewed him as a potential starter and a player who could make an immediate impact in the NFL.

Conclusion

With his impressive collegiate career and physical attributes, Lito Sheppard was regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in the 2002 draft class. Teams that needed a cornerback were excited about the prospect of adding a player of his caliber to their roster.