EAST RUTHERFORD -- Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard had 65 catches for 683 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Those numbers ranked the 2016 second-round pick second to only New Orleans' Michael Thomas among rookies.
Coming off that strong rookie campaign, Shepard sees room for improvement as he prepares for his second season.
"What am I looking to work on? Really just after the catch," Shepard said after the team's third Organized Team Activity on Thursday. "I feel like I could have gotten a lot more YAC (yards after catch) yardage last year. That's something that I looked at on film and I want to get better on."
Sheppard stepped in as the starting slot receiver and played 95 percent of the offensive snaps last season. His 105 targets were second only to Odell Beckham Jr. (169).
Shepard was consistent and reliable, but he lacked big-play ability. His longest catch was 32 yards and he averaged 10.5 yards per reception.
Shepard averaged just 3.9 yards after catch last season. By comparison, Beckham averaged 5.1 yards after catch. Shepard also said he wants the opportunity to make more plays downfield.
"I mean I always tell Coach (Ben) McAdoo that I want a deep post, but he tells me I'm a more over-the-middle guy," Shepard said late last season.
The Giants added wide receiver Brandon Marshall and tight end Evan Engram this offseason. Those upgraded options could cut into Shepard's targets, but they also should open more opportunities for him to make big plays.
Shepard believes he's ready to make a leap in his second season.
"I look at it the same way as in high school," Shepard said. "You make a big jump from your sophomore year, and then college the same way. Sophomore year, you get a lot more comfortable. I think it is just adjusting to the speed. I feel a lot more comfortable out here running routes. I know the play system now, so it helps me be a little more comfortable."
Dan Duggan may be reached at dduggan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DDuggan21. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.