Perhaps the biggest difference maker in the New York Giants draft class will end up being Sterling Shepard, a second round pick.

Shepard will wind up being an integral part of the offense, likely as a slot receiver although the Oklahoma product likely is athletic enough to factor in on the outside if need be. In college, Shepard was athletic enough to make plays in the open field and a good enough route runner (he’s quite solid actually) to hit his mark, something that will gel well with quarterback Eli Manning.

Putting him on a Giants offense that needed to add a piece to the passing game this offseason gives him instant playing time as well as an offense begging for his skillset.

Pro Football Focus had him as their second-highest graded wide receiver in college football last year behind Texas Christian’s Josh Doctson.

He naturally projects to the slot, having spent 68.9 percent of his snaps there during his final college season, gaining 1,015 yards and reaching the end zone six times. Additionally, his 3.17 yards gained per route run from the slot would have been no. 1 among NFL receivers last season, besting Beckham’s top-ranked YPPR of 3.03.

Shepard’s role in the slot, if he develops as projected, will free-up Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz on the outside. In particular, the expectation would be that Beckham does not receive as many double-teams down the field, perhaps making the Pro Bowl wide receiver potentially more effective in 2016.