2015 Atlanta Falcons Potential Draft Pick Profile: OL Austin Shepherd

The Atlanta Falcons could use depth at their guard and tackle positions, and with a new scheme under new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, Austin Shepherd could be a good fit for either tackle or guard depth. Shepherd played pretty close to Atlanta in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in college.

But when he was in high school, Shepherd played nearby in Buford, Georgia. The Falcons are his hometown team and would be a good fit for him schematically. He's got experience playing at a high level, as he's played in multiple SEC and national championship games.

Austin Shepherd

Offensive Lineman

University of Alabama

Combine/Pro Day Measurements

Height: 6'4 ⅜"	Weight: 315 pounds	Arm Length: 32 ⅞"
Hand Measurement: 10"	40-yard dash: 5.27 sec.	10-yard split: 1.81 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.70 sec.	3-cone Drill: 7.77 sec.	Bench Reps: 17 reps
Vertical Jump: 29.0"	Broad Jump: 7'10"

 Stats

2014: 14 Games Started at right tackle

2013: 13 Games Started at right tackle

2012: 10 Games Played at reserve right tackle

2011: 7 Games Played at reserve right tackle

2010: Redshirted

Scouting Report

Strengths

Shepherd's build is right out of the textbook for an offensive lineman in the NFL. The 6'4", 315-pound frame with enough girth to push piles and open up holes is an ideal frame for an offensive lineman. He's quick in his pass drops and understands how to use his hands.

The best thing that Shepherd does is understand the angles and where his quarterback is going to be. When an offensive lineman understands the technical aspects and geometry of what he needs to do on the line up front, the lineman stands a shot of making a difference in the NFL. Shepherd understands that.

Weaknesses

Shepherd has the power, but his agility just isn't there to play tackle full time in the NFL. He's not quick off the line and doesn't have the length needed to play the end of the line effectively. He needs to work on driving with his lower body and staying consistent with his footwork.

He tends to get too tall when he's trying to pass protect and speed-rushers will bend the edge easily around him. He doesn't bend well with his lower half. He looks clunky in his kick slide and doesn't make it to the second level of the defense quick enough to make an impact.

How does he fit the Comrade Filter?

Shepherd has never been arrested nor has he been suspended. The Falcons would see his four years of starting as excellent production for a starting lineman in the SEC. Shepherd has shown throughout the offseason that he's a hard worker who understands what it takes to succeed in the NFL.

He played in the Senior Bowl and looked good doing so. The biggest questions come into play when determining if he has the leadership. He doesn't have any captain experience at Alabama, but this isn't as much of a knock as it is a question of the highest potential he could reach.

Overview

Despite his numerous weaknesses, Shepherd should have a long NFL career as a backup for a team who needs a competent one. His ability to play almost every spot on the line will be valued highly, and teams around the NFL will definitely be willing to take him in the draft.

He may never be the career starter that a lot of the linemen in this draft will turn into, but teams always need good quality depth. There's never enough good, cheap quality depth in the NFL, and teams tend to pass up too many players who could help them.

How he would fit into the Falcons' plans

Shepherd will likely be a pick on the third day of the draft. The Falcons could easily get him in the fifth or sixth round if the NFL takes him where he's supposed to go. Shepherd has the talent to be a great backup at four of the five spots along the line.

Shepherd's best fit long term might be as a starting right guard. The Falcons currently have a talented right guard in Jon Asamoah, but if Shepherd winds up starting due to any injuries, he should be able to hold his own up front.

All stats used are from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats, ESPN.com, CFBStats or NFL.com. All combine and pro day info is courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac.

Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, college football, the NFL and the NFL draft. He's also a Draft Analyst for Pro Football Spot.

Follow @ScottCarasik