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New York Giants: 5 players who exceeded expectations in 2017

By Henry Buggy

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 15: Running back Orleans Darkwa #26 of the New York Giants breaks out for a long run against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 15, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 15: Running back Orleans Darkwa #26 of the New York Giants breaks out for a long run against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 15, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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#4 – LB Kelvin Sheppard

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 31: Olivier Vernon #54 and Kelvin Sheppard #47 of the New York Giants celebrate Sheppard’s interception during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on December 31, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 31: Olivier Vernon #54 and Kelvin Sheppard #47 of the New York Giants celebrate Sheppard’s interception during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on December 31, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images) /

New York’s front office didn’t make too many smart moves in 2017 but re-signing Sheppard midseason proved to be a wise decision.

The Giants signed the seven-year veteran linebacker to a one-year deal in early November. Sheppard would go on to start six of seven games for Big Blue down the stretch and finished ninth on the team in tackles (49) despite missing more than half of the season.

The 6-foot-2, 249-pound veteran was arguably New York’s best linebacker in 2017 alongside Kennard, and no Giants fans can say they expected that.

Sheppard was cut by the Chicago Bears following the preseason. He’s likely to draw some interest in free agency this offseason, especially given his play in the team’s final six games.

The former third-round pick out LSU was New York’s only linebacker to record multiple interceptions (2) and led the position group with four passes batted down.

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