Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Name: Kelvin Sheppard
Position: Inside linebacker
Height 6-foot-2
Weight: 256 pounds
Age: 25
Years Pro: Three
Public Enemy No. 1 returns this year and with a bang as Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Kelvin Sheppard was acquired from the Buffalo Bills for linebacker Jerry Hughes on April 29, 2013.
In the two seasons with the Bills, Sheppard amassed 95 total tackles and two sacks; then again, he was more known for being a thumper-style linebacker. He was fairly good against the run, but it seemed like he was making progress and getting better each year. The problem for Sheppard in Buffalo was that he was a one-trick pony, and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine Jr. doesn’t like those.
Sheppard is an excellent example of this award as he is a consummate professional on the field and off of it. He was always accessible to fans in Buffalo when they’d ask for an autograph at training camp. He should be a very good fit for the Colts as head coach Chuck Pagano runs the 3-4 defense so he will eventually be next to fellow linebacker Pat Angerer, a four-year veteran himself.
All and all, Sheppard should have a tremendous year for the Colts as coach Pagano is an excellent motivator. Additionally, Sheppard will be playing indoors for half of the season, so weather won’t be an issue and he will be faster on the fast track of Lucas Oil Stadium.
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