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New York Giants to sign Kelvin Sheppard

By Carl Cockerham

Dec 20, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Kelvin Sheppard (52) stops San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) after a complete pass in the second half of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Kelvin Sheppard (52) stops San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) after a complete pass in the second half of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Giants had their problems against the run in 2015, giving up 4.4 yards per carry. So the team started to address it early this offseason, adding nose tackle Damon Harrison. Then they would continue on with it, adding former Washington Redskins middle linebacker Keenan Robinson.

Then Sunday, the Giants went on to add depth and competition to their linebacking corps. Former Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Kelvin Sheppard announced on Twitter that he plans to sign with the Giants on Monday. Even though the 28-year-old had over 100 tackles last season, he still had his struggles in 2015.

But the Giants wanted his experience, having started 46 games over his five years in the NFL. The team also likes Sheppard’s durability as he has played all 16 games in three of his five seasons. As far as depth goes, when Sheppard signs, he will be the 10th linebacker on the Giants roster.

The team is depending on competition to bring out the best in each player this season. Among the 10 linebackers, including Sheppard and Robinson, the Giants re-signed Jasper Brinkley, who started nine games at middle linebacker last year. At one time, they wanted Nathan Stupar before he went on to sign with the New Orleans Saints.

As of now, Robinson and Brinkley are favored battle it on for the starting job in the middle for 2016. And if the Giants get a chance to get their hands a good linebacker in the draft, they will take him. So no matter what happens, there’s going to be competition for Sheppard as that is what he was brought in for.

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