WALDWICK -- Conventional wisdom says the Giants can't have enough capable pass catchers, but it would be understandable if Sterling Shepard has some qualms about that logic.

Shepard, the Giants' second-round pick a year ago, had a strong rookie season in 2016. The Oklahoma product had 65 catches on 105 targets for 683 yards and eight touchdowns operating out of the slot. Shepard was second on the team in all of those receiving categories, establishing himself as the clear No. 2 receiver to Odell Beckham Jr.

Then the Giants signed veteran Brandon Marshall in free agency, a clear upgrade on the outside over the departed Victor Cruz. Tight end Evan Engram followed in the first round of the NFL Draft.

Everyone knows Beckham is going to get the most attention from quarterback Eli Manning of any Giants receiver. If Marshall is healthy, the potential Hall of Fame contender is going to get plenty of work himself. The Giants seem convinced Engram will be an impact player from Day 1, creating matchup nightmares all over the field, including in the slot on occasion.

That would leave, the thinking goes for many, with Shepard accepting a reduced role as the two new acquisitions cut into his targets and opportunities.

Not so fast, he says.

"I hear it, but I don't worry about it at all," Shepard told NJ Advance Media last week between sessions at his Hyundai Youth Football Camp. "I feel like Eli does a great job just spreading the ball around. I see no problem having those guys. I feel like it's going to free us up.

"It's not a bad problem at all. I don't know why everyone is making a big deal about it. It's a good problem to have, a lot of guys who can get the ball."

It seems inevitable Shepard's targets will go down. The question is just how much. Cruz had 72 targets last season and tight end Will Tye had 70. The Giants would hope Marshall surpasses Cruz's output, but there's no guarantee Engram will have as many targets as Tye, even with a significant role in the offense. The track record for rookie tight ends isn't great. Running back Shane Vereen will also change the calculus if he is healthy for the full season.

Shepard believes he will be able to do more with less though. He was the most-improved Giant in the offseason, according to one coach, and he looked like a different player on the field. The best case scenario - the one Shepard is likely banking on - is that his targets go down, but his catches and touchdowns remain relatively stable while his yards increase significantly.

Shepard spent the summer training in Los Angeles with Jamal Liggin, who has become well-known to Giants fans as Beckham's personal trainer. Shepard said he would work out in the morning, then come back later in the day to train with Beckham during his sessions.

Yards after the catch is the area for improvement Shepard has singled out this year. He only had 256 last season, the 78th-most in the NFL according to Sporting Charts. He's also focused on ball safety and handling. Toward the end of last season, Shepard said he began to feel more sure and in rhythm with Manning. His goal is to carry that over.

"I'm just more comfortable. That's the main thing with me," Shepard said. "It took me that first year to get comfortable with everything, and now I just get to add my own little twist and stuff. I know what to expect. I'm looking forward to a good season; I just have to put in the work from here on out."

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James Kratch may be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JamesKratch. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.