Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) catches a touchdown against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Anthony Brown (30) in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The second round draft choice by the New York Giants is already paying off in the very first game of the NFL season

New York Giants rookie Sterling Shepard has already made an impact on the roster of his new team. The former Oklahoma Sooner caught his first NFL touchdown in the second quarter in his league debut against the defense of the Dallas Cowboys.

The nine-yard catch came in the corner of the end zone off a pass by Eli Manning, with the rookie making a leaping catch against fellow rookie Anthony Brown. Brown came into the game to replace the injured Orlando Scandrick on that drive on a third-and-four play.

Shepard was drafted to help a Giants offense that struggled last season. Thus far, he’s done just that. He finished the first half with two receptions for 23 yards and the aforementioned touchdown.

The rookie wide receiver impressed at the collegiate level as well, because in four years he caught 233 passes for 3,482 yards and 26 touchdown passes. This preseason for the Giants, in parts of four games, Shepard totaled three receptions for 38 yards.

As the game continues and the career of Shepard begins he’s has the look and feel of becoming a very important part of the Giants wide receiver trio of Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz for years to come. This trio of receivers, if they can stay on the field, with a quarterback like Manning can really be a dangerous combination for any team they face in the ’16 season, and not just against the Cowboys.

Shepard will continue to grow as an NFL wide receiver and as the season kept moving along he’s going to be a must-watch rookie in the game.