“New Set Of Eyes”
April 11th, 2025
A comment from a Bucs veteran this week highlights how challenging it is to evaluate players, something on every fan’s mind as the NFL Draft is 13 days away.
Tampa Bay receiver Sterling Shepard sat down with Talkin’ Ball With Pat Leonard and was asked about his move to the Bucs last summer after eight seasons with the New York Giants.
Shepard was a fan favorite in New York for years but battled injuries and became a bottom-of-the-roster guy. He said that in 2023, all that time on the bench wasn’t about his ability or play in practice, just perception.
“You know, different coaches have their minds set on what they want their team to look like and who they want to be playing. And I think it’s always good to get a fresh set of eyes on you,” Shepard said. “Like I had been around there for so long doing what I did and it didn’t really matter what I did at practice or anything like that.
“… But when I went to Tampa, I got a new set of eyes on me and it’s a fresh start. I felt great. My body felt great at the time. So I was able to give it all that I had. I knew I wasn’t done. Like mentally and physically, I knew I wasn’t done, but it kind of made me feel that way after that [2023 Giants] season.”
Shepard when on to say how energized he was to maximize a new opportunity with the Bucs after he realized coaches were open to him being a real contributor.
Of course, Shepard got hurt in training camp — after making plays in training camp — and was cut before opening day. He took a spot on the Bucs’ practice squad at a spare-change salary for a guy that had banked over $30 million in his career.
The rest is history. Shepard got a call-up and finished with 32 receptions with seemingly one mind-numbing penalty for every huge catch he made. He also had 8 carries for 69 yards.
It’ll be interesting to see what this season’s new set of important eyes, rookie playcaller Josh Grizzard, thinks Shepard can do. Joe wouldn’t be surprised to see lots of Shepard, or to see him inactive on gamedays.
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April 11th, 2025 at 9:00 pm
Just no more stupid penalties. Without those he might be the best fourth receiver in the entire NFL.
April 11th, 2025 at 9:33 pm
Amen to Joe and David. I like Shep he has an entertaining personality and a decent set of hands but the STOOOPID penalties just have to STOP!
April 11th, 2025 at 9:48 pm
I expect Shep to have a great year for us. Veteran presence (more so this year since he’s “settled in”) and still has speed and energy. Grizz will find a way to use his quickness in multiple ways. Not worried about penalties – he’ll be fine. Quality depth 👍🏼
Another character guy to contribute to a locker room that prides itself on character.
Glad he got another shot.
April 11th, 2025 at 10:07 pm
I hope he learned his lesson with that stuff. Emotion is good and I love his fiery energy but you have to stay in control of yourself. If not, you just negate the positive catches and third down conversions that helped the team so much in big moments.
April 11th, 2025 at 11:04 pm
BUCS ARE GOING TIGHTEND IN ROUND 1.
YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST.
April 11th, 2025 at 11:54 pm
@ Trask To The Future
I’ll bet you a round of drinks at any establishment in Tampa that Tight End will not be the round one selection for the Bucs.
April 12th, 2025 at 12:28 am
After Otton stepped up last year, the occasional play from Durham, and a few great plays from Culp that has me excited to see more I don’t think we draft a TE at all.
April 12th, 2025 at 6:01 am
There are two TE’s ranked in the top 15 of this class. If one (probably Loveland) is there, it wouldn’t surprise me the Bucs take him. But we have bigger needs so it all depends who else is available. Maybe the Chargers wanna trade up since Loveland played for Harbaugh at Michigan and the Broncos need a TE.
April 12th, 2025 at 6:43 am
How about a new set of eyes on a new receiver like Matthew Golden? I’m not OK with Sheppard having to step in should heaven forbid Godwin, Evans, or both go down. Our top reciever is 32 years old with tight hammys, and our number two is coming off his second major injury. Reciever room needs some much needed juice.
April 12th, 2025 at 7:21 am
If Warren from Penn State is there at 19 we may grab him. But I don’t see him getting past 14.
April 12th, 2025 at 7:34 am
Bucs and Eagles won their Super Bowls with 4 guys rushing the passer, dropping everyone else into coverage closes those passing windows. They need to D-line for depth and to find THE guy. Vea isn’t getting any younger and the rest of the D-line have some work to do. They just aren’t dominant…..yet. A shut down corner wouldn’t be bad if they don’t go D-line.
April 12th, 2025 at 8:38 am
Funny… using eyes and Shepherd in the same sentence
April 12th, 2025 at 9:06 am
Depending on how things shake out including maybe a trade back I can see Licht’s first 2 picks being DL or DL/Edge. Now watch him draft receiver, LOL
April 12th, 2025 at 9:20 am
Trasktothefuture
Seriously? Why? Otton is now a proven veteran and Culp has shown terrific promise and upside.
Meanwhile the D is screaming for help, the O is loaded and you think a TE?
I give you credit for keeping your moniker. And indeed you may yet get the last laugh. I hope you are right about Trask even though you were obviously mistaken about Baker.
Still Baker’s aggressive style means he’s due to miss some games. Hopefully your boy…now OUR boy…will be up to the Trask…er task. See what I did there?
I’m learning from all the “Bowels” boys here how clever and funny it is if you chance just one letter.
April 12th, 2025 at 10:04 am
stpetebucs,
Don’t humor Trasktothefuture. You have enough credibility here that you don’t need to appease anyone. Mayfield had a year last year that even Brady never had…Greater than 40TD’s, greater than 4500 yards and greater than 71% comp % has only been attained by 4 QB’s in the history of the NFL. Brady the GOAT never had >70% comp % in his 20+years. Remember Baker accomplished what he did without ME and CG for multiple games. It is going to be better this year for Bucs and Baker. The Trask talk is just nonsense and even Trask knows it. Why wouldn’t he sign with another team that would have provided him an opportunity to compete for a starting QB job this year?
April 12th, 2025 at 11:12 am
Ron Mexico
Saw a mock somewhere that had Chargers /Bucs swapping 1st picks..Chargers taking TE Warren, Bucs taking Kenneth Grant.
Interesting 🤔
April 12th, 2025 at 11:51 am
Shep plays super hard, gives it 125%. Just needs to get the knuckle out of his head.
April 12th, 2025 at 12:29 pm
What stupid penalties? I can think of one and it was stupid it was ever called. Dude did “finger guns” after a first down. Lame ass call.
April 12th, 2025 at 1:25 pm
I just thought that Shep was trying to hard when some of the drops were made. He is really high strung, that was a couple penalties, I do really believe that if a team consistently goes nowhere year in and year out it takes a complete toll on you. And I guess in your mind your in purgatory. This season should be better
April 12th, 2025 at 2:08 pm
Finger guns was McMillan.
April 12th, 2025 at 4:18 pm
This guy would drive any coach crazy.