[MrForbes]

If you go with a herder, perhaps a possessing/herding robot would be a good idea....because the opposing alliance can "steal" the ball you're herding, and take it back almost to your finish line. Might be harder for them to steal it if you have a good grip on it, even if you don't plan on shooting it (you'd have to drop the ball before you cross to get points, of course)