Opinions on the Ranger additions for the most recent Unearthed Arcana?

[Willie the Duck]

It seems to lag behind the Shepard Druid to me. I hope I'm wrong, but what am I missing that makes the Beast Master even in the same league as the druid?

They really aren't great direct compares. Animal-theme notwithstanding, they aren't much alike. Ranger is a full combatant, while Shepherd Druid is a caster. Give any ranger archery fighting style, Hunter's Mark, and Sharpshooter, and hopefully they will show you what they bring to the party.