Sterling Shepard
(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate praises his new teammate Sterling Shepard and looks forward to working with him. 

Now that Odell Beckham Jr. has been traded to the Cleveland Browns, a few receivers need to step up for the New York Giants offense. This includes wide receiver Sterling Shepard and new weapon Golden Tate.

Since drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Shepard has played the slot receiver position for most of his career. Here’s the thing: so has Tate.

Shepard spent 517 offensive snaps in 2018 in the slot, according to Pro Football Focus and posted an above-average grade of 67.3. Also according to PFF, Tate spent 482 offensive snaps in the slot last season with an above-average grade of 71.1.

Yes, they’re both equally as effective right now from the slot position, but Tate is more experienced than Shepard by about six seasons. We could see Shep at out wide a lot more in 2019 to help complement Tate.

Tate had some kind words about his new teammate and how he looks forward to playing alongside him.

“I really like Sterling’s game,” Tate said, per Dan Salomone of giants.com. “That guy, he’s a baller. He’s a playmaker, he makes plays, and I can do the same. I think what makes both of us unique is that we can both play anywhere around the field. My first two to three years in Detroit, and most of my career in Seattle, I was an outside guy. I feel like I can run the comebacks, the hooks and any route on the route tree just fine. I feel the same way about him and a couple of other guys in the room.

“I’m looking to find a way to complement him and I hope he finds a way to complement me in this offense. We just kind of come together and make plays all over the place. I’m expecting Eli [Manning] to spread the ball around to a bunch of guys and a bunch of guys make plays. I’m just excited to hopefully come in. Starting with our group, help our group get better and be an asset to this team.”

Both Tate and Shepard will be working with Giants receivers Cody Latimer, Bennie Fowler and Corey Coleman, as well as TE Evan Engram.

Hopefully, Eli Manning will be able to get a good mix of options through the air to assist in the replacement process for OBJ.

Ryan Honey is a staff writer and host of the Wide Right Podcast.