TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama offensive lineman Austin Shepherd, who played at North Gwinnett High, had a strong Pro Day on Wednesday.
He has met with a number of NFL teams including the Atlanta Falcons. He believes that he fits the teams’ new outside-zone blocking system.
“I think I did pretty well,” Shepherd said. “My whole point was to come in and improve on a few things from the combine, and I think I successfully did that. My 40 was a tenth faster, my 10 was faster, my L-cone drill was faster, so I think that was just being comfortable back here at home.”
Shepherd, who’s being scouted as a guard or right tackle, is the blue-collar type of worker who’d fits the zone-blocking style of play. Over his career at Alabama, he played in 44 games and made 27 starts at right tackle.
His scouting report on NFL.Com reads: “He can mirror in pass protection and takes good angles that help him get to his zone-blocking responsibilities. He's a worker bee who can use technique and effort to win more snaps than he should against more talented players. He can be an NFL backup with the potential to become a starter.”
With the Pro Day over, Shepherd is set to meet with more NFL teams.
“I’m always motivated,” Shepherd said. “It’s a job interview every time you step on the field in front of these guys. If you’re not motivated for this, then it’s not for you.”
FALCONS POTENTIAL UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
K Matt Bryant - signed a three-year contract extension.
G-T Gabe Carimi -- will not be re-signed.
S Charles Godfrey -- has re-signed with the team.
DE Cliff Matthews re-signed a two-year contract on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
CB Robert McClain -- has drawn interests from four teams including the Dolphins and Saints.
TE Bear Pascoe is not returning to the team.
DT Corey Peters is headed for free agency. Team has a lot of cash tied up in Tyson Jackson and Paul Soliai. Also, snaps would free up for development of Rashede Hageman.
RB Antone Smith - The New York Giants are interested in signing Smith.
LB Sean Weatherspoon Team is working hard on this deal, but Arizona may be waiting in the wings to make a big push for him.
FALCONS STORIES
Falcons to focus on adding another cornerstone
Quinn-Dimitroff partnership off to a strong start
Q&A with Falcons head coach Dan Quinn at the combine
Falcons coach Dan Quinn fired up to watch pass-rushers
Q&A with Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff on moving forward
Falcons to keep character filter on draft picks
Falcons close to re-signing kicker Matt Bryant
Falcons LT Jake Matthews recovering from offseason surgery
Falcons plan to extend WR Julio Jones contract
Falcons could target Denver TE Julius Thomas in free agency
Falcons' roster gutting could have big names (i.e. Steven Jackson)
Cutting the Falcons roster -- Should they stay or should they go?
COMBINE STORIES
Todd Gurley speaks about autograph-signing caper
Bucs appear set to cast future with Jameis Winston
Todd Gurley intriguing prospect to NFL teams
Chris Conley puts on a dazzling show at the combine
Waller, Smelter out to prove NFL standing at the combine
VIDEO DEPARTMENT
Watch: D. Led -- Falcons news at the combine
Watch: NFL Network's Mike Mayock at the combine
Watch: Todd Gurley has interviews set up with 24 NFL teams
Watch: Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff at the combine
Watch: Falcons coach Dan Quinn at the combine
Watch: Rams GM Les Snead on the pass-rush talent at the combine
FALCONS COMBINE MEETINGS
Oregon DE Arik Armstead talked scheme with the Falcons
Falcons met with Alabama quarterback Blake Sims
Falcons to meet with Florida DE Dante Fowler Jr.
Falcons met with Wake Forest CB Kevin Johnson
Falcons met with Alabama safety Landon Collins
PHOTO GALLERIES
Photographs from the 2015 NFL scouting combine
