JaCorey Shepherd Drafted by Eagles in 6th Round

After spending most of the 5th Round as the top player available on Mel Kiper's Big Board, JaCorey Shepherd was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 15th pick in the 6th Round, #191 overall.   The now-former Jayhawk will try to make a name for himself in the NFC East under Chip Kelly.

According to the Eagles roster at ESPN.com, Shepherd joins E.J. Biggers, Brandon Boykin, Nolan Carroll, Byron Maxwell, Walter Thurmond, and Jaylen Watkins as cornerbacks on the Philadelphia roster.

JaCorey is a "late-round sleeper" with upside.  Most "experts" had CB as a position of need for the Eagles, and with the addition of Shepherd and Eric Rowe (Round 2, Utah) they are certainly addressing that need.  The Eagles lost their top two corners Bradley Fletcher and Cary Williams to free agency a couple of months ago, presenting opportunity for the rookies at that position.  Shepherd should make the roster, but may not see much of the field his first year in the pros.  Opportunity is there, however, and if he can get his hamstring healthy and avoid any other setbacks, he should eventually be able to work himself into a CB3 or possibly a CB2 spot somewhere, be it this year or in the next season or two.  Shepherd feels that his hamstring injury limited him at the combine and the KU pro day and hurt his 40-yard dash time, which pushed him down on the draft boards.  Thus, he seems extra eager to prove himself at the next level.

For some more information on JaCorey Shepherd, check out our draft profile and check out BleedingGreenNation.com.