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The New York Giants are entering a new chapter at tight end this season. Gone are the beleaguered Evan Engram, Kaden Smith and the one-and-done Kyle Rudolph.
In are veterans Ricky Seals-Jones and Jordan Akins, the returning Chris Myarick and rookie Daniel Bellinger, a fourth-round draft pick out of Brady Hoke’s San Diego State program. The Giants also have invited UDFAs Austin Allen and Andre Miller to training camp.
Bellinger is the player the Giants are hoping will jump to the top of the depth chart at some point this year. The 6-foot-5, 253-pounder has both the prototype NFL tight end frame and characteristics as well as a well-rounded game.
Focusing on the smaller details of his game is the objective for the rookie right now.
“This level is a lot more particular on the small details, whether it’s one-foot step, one kind of leverage on a route, compared to college,” Bellinger said on the Giants’ official podcast. “College wasn’t as particular on the small details because sometimes you’re just straight up better than the guy across from you. But at this level, everybody is good. More often than not, the guy across from you is going to be better. So, in order to beat him, you have to win with small details and the small technical things in that kind of aspect.”
Bellinger did not fill the stat sheet at SDSU during his career but the potential was there. He was a solid route runner and – Giant fans will like this – did not drop any passes in 2021 and was the best at his potion in their draft when it came to ball security and drops.
“I’m all over, a hybrid,” Bellinger said. “Of course, you know the tight ends run block, pass block. But definitely one that’s going to get his hand in the dirt, and another that’s going to get open and catch some balls. One that does kind of both … I want to show that I do have a lot of potential, not just in the run game, but in the passing game as well.”
Bellinger’s ability to block should make him a candidate to play all three downs. The Giants are seeking some stability at tight end after years of tumult and underperformance. Bellinger could be the player who changes the narrative.
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