2015 NFL Draft Profile: JaCorey Shepherd

Editor's Note: A previous version of this profile accidentally quoted the analysis of Lance Zierlein at NFL.com without properly attributing that analysis to him.  We have removed that material and apologize. You can read his full profile here.

JaCorey Shepherd has been one of KU's best defenders in the secondary for the past two seasons.  One of three Jayhawks invited to the NFL Combine, Shepherd has a shot at hearing his named called during the NFL draft.

2014 Stats

23 solo tackles, 7 assists, 30 total tackles

16 pass breakups, 3 INT

Pro Day/Combine Results

Height/Weight: 5'11", 199 lbs

Hands: 8 5/8 inches

Arm length: 30 5/8 inches

40-yard dash: DNP

225 lb bench press:  14 reps

Vertical jump: DNP

Broad jump: DNP

3-cone drill: DNP

20-yard shuttle: DNP

60-yard shuttle: DNP

Shepherd did not participate in speed or agility drills at the NFL combine due to a tweak in his hamstring.  He attempted drills at KU's pro day but did not register any official times due to the same lingering injury.

Strengths

The consensus on Shepherd is that he has the athleticism needed to stick with receivers, and the awareness to read his receiver and time his move to maximize his effectiveness.  His background as a receiver helps him to defend without relying solely on jamming his man at the line. Innate ability to adjust to his receiver, and able to use his hands effectively to break up passes as they arrive.

No character issues to speak of, as he has received much recognition for being active in the community, including being a finalist for the 2014 Senior CLASS Award.

Weaknesses

Lack of physicality hurts his run defense. He is unable to get the big hit, instead relying on slowing a defender until help arrives.  Talent is a bit overshadowed by failure to attend to the little details, such as his footwork. Has shown an inability to cover crossing routes, which could be a probably given he is a bit undersized for his position.

Prediction

Shepherd's strengths should allow him to become a slot cornerback at the NFL level, possibly developing into an outside corner despite his lack of height.  His ball skills and production in college will catch the attention of a lot of NFL teams and will give him a shot at making a roster in his first season.

Shepherd is rated as a Top-30 CB prospect by multiple scouts and mock drafts.

Look for JaCorey to go in Round 6 or 7.  DraftTek.com has JaCorey Shepherd predicted to go Tampa Bay with the 8th pick of the 7th round, #225 overall.  NFL.com says Shepherd could go as high as Round 5.

Look for Shepherd to get called on day three of the draft - Saturday - and I'll go out on a limb and say he'll get taken in Round 6.

Check out this YouTube video for some highlights of JaCorey.