Noah Shepard has been one of the most prolific passers at the D2/FCS level the last 4 years. He owns just about every QB stat in South Dakota history, and has had a very good post season. Once thought of as an undrafted free agent, Shepard has worked himself into late round consideration.
Measurables
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 223 lbs
40 yard: 4.70
20 yard: 2.83
10 yard: 1.68
Bench: 25 reps
Vertical: 38"
Broad Jump: 10'3"
Shuttle: 4.31
3 Cone: 7.07
Statistics
2006
Passing: 212 Attempts, 114 Completions (53.8%), 1938 yards, 20 TD, 8 INT
Rushing: 104 Attempts, 403 yards (3.9 average), 5 TD
2007
Passing: 209 Attempts, 165 Completions (78.5%), 2547 yards, 21 TD, 9 INT
Rushing: 139 Attempts, 627 yards (4.5 average), 5 TD
2008
Passing: 234 Attempts, 137 Completions (58.5%), 2000 yards, 15 TD, 5 INT
Rushing: 98 Attempts, 645 yards (6.6 average), 13 TD
2009
Passing: 297 Attempts, 188 Completions (63.3%), 2451 yards, 21 TD, 10 INT
Rushing: 114 Attempts, 500 yards (4.4 average), 13 TD
Analysis
A four year starter, Shepard showed improvement every year (a fact sometimes not reflected in the stats). For Shepards first two years, the Coyotes played at the D2 level, for the second two they played in the FCS.
Positives
Obviously, the first thing I must say is athleticism. And I was a little surprised at some of the numbers, he has better acceleration (on tape) than he showed at his pro day. Shepard is a very explosive runner, something that should bode well for him at the next level. As a passer, Shepard displays above average to great arm strength. While it is not a cannon, he has the ability to make all the required throws at the next level. Coupled with his ability to escape pressure, it can be a dangerous combination. Shepard is also a very high quality guy, something we all know the Texans covet. He is supposedly a hard worker in the weight room, expressing the desire to become better than he currently is.
Negatives
Shepard is still not a comfortable pocket passer. He gets itchy feet when his first or second read is not open. He had the ability to run in college, but he wont be as successful at that in the pros. His accuracy needs some work, as it looks like he thinks about it too much, instead of just letting the ball go. I also want to see more of him reading the D.
Draft Projection
7th Round- UDFA
Noah Shepard will go to a team looking for an athletic quarterback to mold into a legitimate starter, or at the very least a wildcat QB with legitimate throwing ability.