rmgoris11

When LSU held it's 2013 Pro Day this past Wednesday all eyes were on the New Orleans Saints staff as they scouted the obvious targets in the upcoming NFL Draft, such as linebacker Barkevious Mingo who is often mocked to the Saints in the first round.

Mingo probably wasn't the only one the Saints watched. Cornerback Tyrann Mathieu was seen chatting with coaches and linebacker Kevin Minter was also said to be getting a once over. But a shocker came later from one player in particular on Twitter: Russell Shepard.

Great news? Could the Saints actually be looking at the once heralded recruit who never really found his groove as a receiver at LSU?

Shepard bounced around in the Tigers offense and was used as a quarterback, running back, and wide receiver. As a rusher Shepard had 716 yards and five touchdowns, while as a receiver he notched 570 yards for five touchdowns. His final year with LSU was the most disappointing with just 161 yards rushing, 92 yards receiving and one touchdown.

Russell Shepard
#10 / Wide Receiver / LSU Tigers

Height: 6-1

Weight: 195

Year: senior

So why are the Saints possibly looking at him as a wide receiver? Well, it's likely because they aren't looking at him for his receiving skills.

Shepard was a Swiss Army knife of sorts at Pro Day. Not only did he participate in wide receiver drills, but also did kick/punt return work along with going through defensive back drills. He has made the statement that he will do whatever it takes to get a shot in the NFL and he means it..

According to NFL.com, Shepard was actually told by several scouts that he might fit best as a defensive back in the NFL. During the Pro Day workout he ran two 4.46 40-yard dashes and had a 38.5 inch vertical leap. At 6'1" and 196 lbs. they were compared to "defensive back measurables."

Currently Shepard is ranked as a possible undrafted free agent and that could explain the "great news" he got from the Saints, who may have told him to expect a call if he does in fact slip out of the draft.

But they may have a little competition for his services. Draft Insider is reporting that Shepard is scheduled to visit with the Baltimore Ravens on April 4th.

NFL Draft 2013: Saints Interested in Russell Shepard? - Canal Street Chronicles

Crusader

Interesing prospect. You always have room for a guy on your roster that can do a lot of things. And those type of guys usually finds a way to stick around.

dizzle88

Troy brown

Could do everything, KR/PR/QB/WR And DB

No wonder the patriots kept him round for so long

Leighton B

I love Russell Shepherd and Spencer Ware as top targets for undrafted FA after the draft! These are the guys I like us drafting from LSU: Keke Mingo with pick 15, or if we trade for two more picks like I'm hoping then we could draft Tyran Mathieu in the 3rd along with.and also maybe if we can snag Eric Ried if he falls! LSU is loaded I like Tharold Simon in the 5th he'll end up being a shutdown corner because of his speed and length along with his agility! I think Bennie Logan could be like RJF in that he can be a starter in 3-4 DE and be a backup NT! He is definitely worth a 4th rounder! Then if we were still in a 4-3 I would be like we got to have Sam Montgomery and Lavar Edwards they will shine too!

voodooido

Simon sucks. I would however like to see Chris Faulk in Black and Gold. A rd4 would be worth it. He is a beast when healthy.

Rugby Saint II

I'm giving you a like just because you stopped yelling at everybody. Besides, I like what you're saying.

The Dude

If they are good i don't have a problem. 'so many saints fans want local are LSU players solely because they are from here and more often than not they don't make it.

hagan714

looks like he just moved from UDFA to later round prospect. round 6 possibilities?
i am not a LSU homer so i have to go with the board but i do know the bouncing around he has done so he is an interesting prospect to develop.
can he tackle and how much work is needed in read react? WR time should help with that.

QBREES9

If he can play, then bring him in.

Seer1

And if he can't, don't. The Saints ain't no backwater team that has to bring in locals just to sell tickets. It's all about the television revenue now. We need good, not local talent to keep the fan base happy now.