New York Giants: 2016 Player Of The Year Awards

Nov 20, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21) reacts after intercepting a fourth quarter pass from Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21) reacts after intercepting a fourth quarter pass from Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 20, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs the ball ahead of Chicago Bears defense in the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs the ball ahead of Chicago Bears defense in the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

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.