Lito
Sheppard
SELECTED
BY PHILADELPHIA , ROUND 1, PICK 26, OVERALL PICK 26
CB | (5-10, 194, 4.5) | FLORIDA
By Pro Football Weekly
Notes: Third-year junior who was a Parade football
All-American and top track athlete in high school. Played
in all but one game (203 total snaps) as a true freshman in
1999. Started all but one game in 2000 and won some first-team
All-America notice. Also was a first-team All-Southeastern
Conference pick. Won similar honors in '01. Had five tackles
and broke up two passes as a freshman. Became an impact player
and big-play maker in 2000, when he had six interceptions,
returned one for a score and totaled 179 yards on interception
returns. Sheppard returned 22 punts for 307 yards and two
touchdowns and 13 kickoffs 298-0. Also made 40 tackles and
broke up five passes. Most teams did not throw at Sheppard
in '01, when he had 42 tackles, broke up six passes, had two
interceptions and returned 26 punts 246-0 and seven kickoffs
171-0.
Positives: Well-built and developed body. Short but
not small. May be the best pure athlete on the Florida defense.
Fine cover corner. Fluid with quick feet and quick change
of direction. Has good instincts and anticipation. Playmaker
with good ball skills and hands. Excellent runner on interceptions
and on punt returns. He is the best cover corner the Gators
have had in a long time, and getting to practice against Florida's
high-powered passing offense and top receivers has helped
his development.
Negatives: Shorter than scouts would like. Is not
that physical. Will try to bait the quarterback if he is being
ignored and sometimes goes too far. Tends to rely too much
on ability and get sloppy about technique and attention to
detail. May not have great deep make-up speed.
Summary: A big-time corner who can cover and return
punts. Could start as a rookie.
* Player biographies are provided by Pro Football Weekly
