Bucs veteran has been a lowkey difference-maker and deserves more attention than he's getting

“[He is] very underrated – one of our most underrated players, but one of our best players," Todd Bowles told reporters Monday. "He knows what to do, how to do it. He’s very tough. He can play inside, he can play outside. He’s done a great job blocking this year as well. He finds the open spots, and him and Baker [Mayfield] have a connection that way. He kept us in the game."

He also converted a key 3rd and 9 on the Bucs' game-winning drive in the opener in Atlanta. Then there was the 20 yard catch-and-run during the game-winning drive against the New York Jets. He's the second-highest graded receiver on the team behind Emeka Egbuka and has 10 first downs on 17 receptions. Almost half of those first downs (4) came on third down, as well.

As a matter of fact, his first down reception rate of 58.8% is better than Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase, Aj. Brown, and more. His 54.2% success rate is better than Chase, Nico Colllins, Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr., and many others. Mayfield averages a 108.2 QB rating when throwing Shep's way, which is a top-20 mark among the aforementioned qualifiers (Emeka Egbuka is No. 1 at 145.3, for what it's worth).

Shepard isn't going to blow up the stat sheet by any means, but he offers a security blanket and reliable option for Mayfield when needed. That kind of presence comes in handy in key moments, especially when considering the Bucs' roster. Once the receiving room is fully healthy, defenses are going to have to key in on Evans, Egbuka, Godwin, and McMillan, which will leave so many opportunities for Shepard when he's on the field.

He may just be the Bucs' permanent X-factor on offense once everyone is good to go and honestly, that's a huge advantage for this offense as it continues to roll through the 2025 season.