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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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#1 – CB Ross Cockrell

GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 24: Defensive back Ross Cockrell #37 of the New York Giants intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 24: Defensive back Ross Cockrell #37 of the New York Giants intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

The G-Men acquired Cockrell through a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers eight days before their regular season opener. The acquisition was expected to bring depth to New York’s secondary, and few thought the fourth-year corner would make an impact on the field.

But that’s exactly what Cockrell did. He went from backup to difference maker. Pro Football Focus listed the 6-foot, 191-pound cornerback as New York’s fifth highest graded player in 2017, trailing only Tomlinson, Olivier Vernon, Landon Collins, and Damon Harrison.

Despite only starting nine games, Cockrell lead Big Blue’s defense with 11 pass breakups. He also snagged three interceptions in the team’s last two games, tying Jenkins for a team-high three interceptions on the year.

While Cockrell was far from perfect in 2017, has was one of the league’s best cornerbacks in the final quarter of the regular season.

Cockrell is set to test free agency this offseason and will likely garner plenty of interest given how he finished the year.

Next: Updated Top 25 Draft Targets

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