Offensive Rookie of the Year: Sterling Shepard
Throughout training camp, news consistently leaked that Sterling Shepard was turning heads at the practice facilities. Some viewed it as propaganda and hyperbole, but the New York Giants rookie proved how real the hype was once the games began.
Though the Giants could have done a better job of spreading the wealth offensively, Shepard had a strong rookie year at wide receiver.
Shepard finished the 2016 regular season with 65 receptions for 683 yards and eight touchdowns. He accumulated 42 first downs and also carried the ball three times for 31 rushing yards during his first NFL season.
Shepard recorded career-best numbers of eight receptions for 117 yards against the New Orleans Saints and scored a touchdown in eight different games.
Shepard’s touchdown in Week 1 proved to be the game-winning score against the Dallas Cowboys. His touchdowns against the Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, and Philadelphia Eagles also became the deciding plays in one-possession victories.
Shepard proved to have a nose for the end zone and a knack for stepping up in the clutch during his first NFL season.