The Facts: The Giants built a star-studded offense around the 37-year-old Eli Manning this offseason, by drafting RB Saquon Barkley No. 2 overall, signing veteran LT Nate Solder, and adding second-round rookie OG Will Hernandez. Barkley, Hernandez, and Solder join a collection of skill-position players that might be the most dynamic collection of talent in the NFL with WRs Odell Beckham, Shepard, and second-year TE Evan Engram already in the mix. It is now incumbent on Manning to maximize the potential of the talent on the roster, and he believes that Shepard in particular could be poised for a breakout. "I think he's primed for a big year," Manning said. "And I've been really impressed by his work ethic."
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As NJ.com's Matt Lombardo notes, wide receivers often hit their stride in their third NFL season, and Shepard is coming off a 2017 campaign where he saw an expanded role after Odell Beckham Jr. shattered his ankle in Week 4, accounting for 59 catches for 731 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 12.4 yards per reception before his season was cut short due to injury in Week 11. In two seasons, Shepard has caught 124 of 189 targets from Manning for 1,414 yards and 10 touchdowns. Manning is confident that Shepard's strong spring will translate into a big 2018 season ahead. "He's understanding the coverages, understanding the route combinations, he understands zone and man, and how to make little moves to get open against different techniques," Manning said. Worth noting, Shepard is a pretty solid value at this point, with a WR4 price tag.