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East Rutherford, N.J. • The New York Giants have taken Oklahoma wide receiver Sterling Shepard in the second round of the NFL draft.

The receiver spot was one of the biggest needs for the Giants heading into the draft after losing Rueben Randle to free agency and uncertainty about the status of Victor Cruz, who has only played six games in the last two seasons, including none last year.

Shepard is a slot receiver to complement the threat posed by Odell Beckham Jr.

Eli Manning lacked a second go-to guy last season with Randle having an off year.

Shepard had 86 receptions for 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns this past season and finished his career with 233 receptions for 3,482 yards and 26 touchdowns.