Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Austin Shepherd (Alabama) - 2015 NFL Draft Pick #228 by MIN

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Austin Shepherd (2015 NFL Draft)

Austin Shepherd, an offensive lineman from the University of Alabama, was a notable prospect heading into the 2015 NFL Draft. Here is a summary of his strengths, weaknesses, and overall assessment:

• Position: Offensive Tackle / Guard
• College: University of Alabama
• Height: 6'5"
• Weight: 310 lbs

Strengths:

• Strong and physical player with the ability to dominate at the point of attack.
• Versatile lineman who can play both tackle and guard positions, providing flexibility to offensive schemes.
• Good footwork and balance in pass protection, capable of handling speed rushers.
• Experience in a pro-style offense at Alabama, which prepares him for the NFL transition.
• Solid understanding of blocking schemes and effective in both run and pass situations.

Weaknesses:

• Can struggle with quickness against elite edge rushers, leading to potential protection issues.
• Needs to improve hand placement and technique in pass blocking to avoid penalties and leverage issues.
• Inconsistent pad level can lead to being driven back by powerful defensive linemen.

Overall Assessment:

Austin Shepherd is a strong, versatile offensive lineman with significant experience playing at a high level in college football. His physical attributes and understanding of the game make him a valuable asset for teams looking to bolster their offensive line. While he has areas to improve, particularly in handling elite pass rushers, his potential as a reliable contributor makes him a candidate for mid to late rounds of the draft.

Teams will appreciate Shepherd's work ethic and college pedigree, but they should be prepared to invest time in developing his technique at the professional level.