Thanks for pointing out the flaws of my logic. I ASS-U-MEd that his dedication toward increasing his deadlift was the primary reason for his trap growth. You know what they say about "assume".
everytime i hear people expose the "you need a full range of motion" b.s i think of deadlifts.. not exactly a full range of motion for the traps.. but sure puts the beef on 'em..
Heavy deadlifts pile on the thickness over time... so yes, I think they added to his trap size but years of training, gear, diet, etc probably played a big part too!
I think a plain old dead is more beneficial to the traps than a shrug, but I shrug on deads and I shrug on military presses, and my traps lemme know it the next day.
Mine grew way more after I started doing heavy deads..way more than working them independently..never do shrugs anymore.Deads and squats will make you bigger and stronger than any other exercise..including bench presses.Get your form right and do them heavy and watch your traps and back grow.(of course you still have to eat big to get big..most overlooked aspect..not egg whites and skim milk either..whole everything)
I'm far from being what you would call "BIG". Yet, I have been ask many times "what do you do for your traps?" Answer: dead lift and some bb shrugs. Thats about it.