Russell Shepard

Shepard should have a small role as the team's third or fourth receiver, behind not only Odell Beckham and Sterling Shepard but also tight end Evan Engram and tail back Saquon Barkley. Cody Latimer will also be in the mix.

Mostly a special teams contributor through his first three seasons as a pro, Shepard took advantage of a banged-up Buccaneers supporting cast to finish with career highs in catches (23), targets (40), receiving yards (341) and touchdowns (two) last year. After that production, and in the wake of former Panthers speedster Ted Ginn leaving in free agency, Shepard signed a three-year deal with Carolina this offseason. A target similar to Ginn, albeit with less deep speed, Shepard will likely compete with rookie Curtis Samuel for snaps at slot receiver early on. However, given Samuel's second-round pedigree, it would not be surprising if Shepard eventually falls behind him in the pecking order and ends up filling the depth role Philly Brown occupied in years past.

Shepard was primarily a receiver in name only in 2015, securing only three of 10 targets for 28 yards, along with one touchdown. His primary value was once again realized on special teams, where he tallied 223 snaps and recorded 10 tackles. The wide receiver depth chart is replete with candidates behind starters Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson, including more accomplished pass-catchers Louis Murphy and Adam Humphries. Therefore, Shephard's most likely path to a roster spot in 2016 appears to once again go through special teams, as he would likely be hard-pressed to get many opportunities from scrimmage.

The former LSU standout had an excellent season on special teams in 2014, and should return to the role this year. Shepard played quarterback in high school and spent time at running back and receiver in college, but it hasn’t translated to a prominent role in the pros. While the third-year wideout played 154 offensive snaps in 2014, he collected just four passes on eight targets for 63 yards. He continues to work at learning the nuances of being a receiver, and his versatility is an asset, but his future likely remains tied to his value on special teams.

Will aim to reprise his special teams role in 2014 with the Bucs if he can make the cut.

Shepard is a former blue chip recruit who never panned out at LSU. He arrived as a quarterback but bounced between receiver and running specialist roles, never firmly defining himself as any one position, and excelling at none. He has good size (6-foot-1, 200 pounds) and a good amount of experience as a runner, so Shepard's versatility could earn him a roster spot.