Tag: Daniel Bellinger

Daniel Bellinger on Daniel Jones: ‘He’s a leader you want to play for’

Giants TE Daniel Bellinger gives props to Daniel Jones during a podcast interview, discussing his unreal work ethic and leadership.

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New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has often been the subject of criticism. He comes from the same school of thought as Eli Manning, even coming through Manning’s own camp. He’s not flashy, he’s not a diva and he doesn’t demand attention from the media. Jones shows up, does his job and goes home without causing waves.

The mark of a good leader is someone other people WANT to follow. Anyone can throw the football, but not everyone can lead a team. According to Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger, Jones is a guy you want to follow.

 

In part, Bellinger talks about how Jones gets to know his teammates as people, building personal relationships first. Whether it be trips, dinners or another way to connect, Jones makes it a point to get to know his teammates. Starting a new relationship off the field first helps to bolster the on-field connection.

Bellinger also notes how Jones is the first one to the practice facility every day. Even when the TE was injured and receiving treatment, he would be at the facility as early as 4:15 a.m., and Jones would always be there first. “This guy’s work ethic is unreal. He’s just a leader that you want to play for.”

Jones is similar to Manning in a number of ways, including his personality and how he handles life in New York. He’s a solid quarterback who got a rough start, but look for him to shine a little brighter this season, his second under the new regime.

George Kittle praises Giants TE Daniel Bellinger

George Kittle believes New York Giants TE Daniel Bellinger will be one of the “next best to breakout” at the position.

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One of the more pleasant surprises in 2022 was rookie tight end Daniel Bellinger.

Overshadowed by first-rounders Kayvon Thibodeaux and Eval Neal and second-rounder Wan’Dale Robinson, Bellinger was impressive in his rookie year providing more than the Giants could have hoped for.

Following his rookie campaign, Bellinger attended Tight End University this week, just as he did last offseason.

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Tight End University, created by George Kittle, Travis Kelce and Greg Olsen in 2021, is a three-day offseason event bringing current and former tight ends together. Just prior to the 2023 TEU, Kittle spoke to Yahoo Sports! and singled out Bellinger as one of the NFL’s underrated tight ends.

“I like Bellinger out of the Giants,” Kittle said. “I think he’s a good tight end, does a lot of good stuff.”

Bellinger tallied 30 receptions for 268 yards and two touchdowns in 2022 while missing time due to an eye injury.

The addition of Darren Waller, who is one of the league’s best tight ends when healthy, changes Bellinger’s role in the offense. Bellinger is learning from Waller and soaking in his time at Tight End U in order to improve his game:

“Really, it’s the same thing I do with Darren (Waller),” Bellinger said. “Just sit down with those guys and, again, pick their brain. I can watch their film all day, kind of try to mimic what they do on the field. At the same time, I have to kind of create my own way of doing it. Really just trying to think about how they think and their process when they’re on the field before play.”

Last week, at the Giants’ organized team activities (OTAs), Bellinger was noticeably more muscular.

Fans should be excited about the Giants’ tight end group ahead of 2023 — offensive coordinator Mike Kafka certainly is. Between bulking up and learning from Waller and the pros at Tight End University, Bellinger is putting in the work to continue to get better.

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Giants’ Daniel Bellinger jokes about viral photo: ‘Some really good lighting’

New York Giants TE Daniel Bellinger, who will attend Tight End U next week, cracks wise over the viral photo of his massive biceps.

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Early on in organized team activities (OTAs), New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger was spotted looking particularly buff.

Bellinger had his sleeves rolled up and his guns out, which led to a viral moment.

“Our strength staff, they do a good job of talking with the players, developing a plan. I’m not sure if with Bellinger the biceps was a major part of that,” offensive coordinator Mike Kafka said last week.

“He’s done a nice job of that. He came in great shape. He has done a great job. He’s taken a nice step from year one to year two. He’s continuing to grow. That’s what we’re looking for.”

During the final practice of minicamp on Wednesday, Bellinger again had his sleeves rolled up so that all could see the gun show.

While meeting with reporters after practice, Bellinger was asked about the viral photo and had a little fun with the whole thing.

“(When I saw the photo), I was like that’s some really good lighting,” Bellinger said with a laugh. “The camera guy got me right on that one.”

Bellinger insists that he was not flexing when the photo was taken. Rather, the muscle mass increase was the result of an improved diet and a full year in the NFL’s strength and conditioning program.

“I mean, this offseason compared to last, I’m not focusing on the combine and stuff like that. I was able to focus on more weightlifting, just getting better,” he said. “It was a mix of obviously working out. But nutrition, focusing more on that. Everybody’s like, ‘Oh, did you gain weight?’ Realistically I’m the same weight if not a little bit lighter. Just more muscle and less fat. It’s a good thing.”

There are no plans for Bellinger to slow down, either. While the team has departed for summer break, his work has just gotten started. Bellinger will be attending Tight End University with George Kittle and Travis Kelce next week.

“Excited for that,” Bellinger said. “Just sit down with those guys and, again, pick their brain. I can watch their film all day, kind of try to mimic what they do on the field. At the same time, I have to kind of create my own way of doing it. Really just trying to think about how they think and their process when they’re on the field before play.”

As it relates to the arrival of Darren Waller, Bellinger welcomes it with open arms — massive open arms. Whether his targets decrease or not, Bellinger says he’s happy to have Waller in the building and will do whatever he can to help the team win.

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Giants minicamp: Notes, videos and highlights from Day 2

News, notes, highlights and a few videos from Day 2 of the New York Giants’ 2023 mandatory minicamp.

The New York Giants were back on the field for their final practice of mandatory minicamp on Wednesday. They will now head into summer break and are not required to return to East Rutherford until the start of training camp in late July.

The day began with offensive assistants meeting with members of the media before head coach Brian Daboll took the podium for a press conference. Then it was off to practice.

Here is some news, notes, highlights and videos from Day 2 of minicamp:

Giants’ Mike Kafka praises Darren Waller, Daniel Bellinger

New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka offers high praise for tight ends Darren Waller and Daniel Bellinger.

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Last season at this time, the New York Giants were uncertain about what they had in their tight end room. They had just drafted Daniel Bellinger out of San Diego State and were hoping he would walk right out on the field and take the position over.

That actually ended up happening and worked well until Bellinger suffered an eye socket injury mid-season, derailing him for a month. The Giants turned to a slew of journeymen (Tanner Hudson, Nick Vannett, Lawrence Cager, Chris Myarick) to fill the role until Bellinger returned.

That led to the realization that in a tight end world, the Giants needed to modernize and upgrade at the position. This offseason, they traded for the Las Vegas Raiders’ former Pro Bowler Darren Waller and signed Buffalo Bills backup Tommy Sweeney.

In addition, Bellinger showed up OTAs last month looking like a WWE star. He’s visibly much more muscular and stronger after learning he’ll likely be a blocker more often than a receiver this season.

“Our strength staff, they do a good job of talking with the players, developing a plan. I’m not sure if with Bellinger the biceps was a major part of that,” offensive coordinator Mike Kafak said on Thursday at OTAs.

“He’s done a nice job of that. He came in great shape. He has done a great job. He’s taken a nice step from Year 1 to Year 2. He’s continuing to grow. That’s what we’re looking for.”

When asked what role Bellinger — and the other tight ends — will play this season, Kafka didn’t add any clarity.

“We’re kind of at that stage right now of just identifying what those roles are. I don’t think there’s anything set in stone. It’s just going to continue to grow as we get through the off-season and into training camp and the season,” he said.

One thing is for sure, though. Waller will be a key cog in the offense and many believe he’ll actually lead the team in receiving targets this year.

Kafka is notably impressed with what Waller brings to the offense and the experience and leadership he adds to the locker room and huddle.

“He’s a really talented player. He’s a great person. He’s a really good teammate. That’s one thing I’ve learned about him. He cares about his guys. He’s competitive, which we really like. We value that here,” Kafka said.

This year will surely be different than last year for many reasons. It’s Year 2 of the Brian Daboll/Mike Kafka era on offense and players are on better footing.

“They’re doing a great job, they’re flying around, they’re communicating well,” he said. “When you get into year two of the offense, things are obviously a little bit more smooth because you’ve heard it already a few more times, you’ve been through some of those situations already, you have some stuff that you can fall back on.”

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See it: Giants’ Daniel Bellinger looks absolutely jacked entering Year 2

New York Giants TE Daniel Bellinger bulked up considerably this offseason and he’s showing his new guns during OTAs.

The New York Giants believe they had a solid draft in 2022 but the jury is still out as all but one of their 11 picks (linebacker Micah McFadden) missed time due to injury.

One of those players was tight end Daniel Bellinger, a fourth-round pick out of San Diego State.

Bellinger was flashing early last season before he was poked in the eye during the Giants’ Week 7 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars by linebacker Devin Lloyd, fracturing his eye socket and sidling him for the next month.

Bellinger returned in Week 12 and continued to be a key contributor on offense. But in this day and age, teams need more than just one tight end, hence the Giants’ trade this offseason for Las Vegas Raiders Pro Bowler Darren Waller, which has clouded Bellinger’s role a bit.

Bellinger is likely to be the blocking tight end to Waller’s receiving. Knowing the change was coming, he has bulked up his 6-foot-5, 253-pound frame this offseason to prepare himself for the extra workload and contact.

To say he looks jacked would be an understatement.

Bellinger’s body transformation story is nothing new for second-year NFL players. Many players come into the league with room to grow and after a year in a professional training and conditioning program, they harden up their bodies to withstand life in the NFL.

Still, Bellinger should expect a call from the NFL with a request for a “random” drug test.

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Daniel Jones, Giants teammates gather in Arizona for workouts

Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley and a large contingent of New York Giants players have gathered in Arizona for workouts and training this week.

In what has become an annual tradition, New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and a collective of his teammates gathered in Arizona this week for some workouts and training.

In addition to Jones, those reportedly in attendance include quarterback Tyrod Taylor, wide receivers Parris Campbell and Sterling Shepard, and tight end Lawrence Cager.

Also among the contingent were wide receivers Isaiah Hodgins, Makai Polk and David Sills, and tight end Daniel Bellinger. However, the most notable appearance belongs to running back Saquon Barkley, who has not yet signed his franchise tender.

Shortly after signing with the Giants as a free agent, Campbell revealed that he was out in Arizona working with Hodgins and Jones had already begun planning a trip.

“I’m actually out in Arizona training right now in the offseason, and he’s like, ‘I’ve got to get out to Arizona. Let’s get to work.’ That’s what you want. You’re a new guy coming in, a new piece to the offense, and the quarterback is already like, ‘Let’s go. Let’s get some work together.’ That’s just so welcoming,” Campbell said. “That’s so promising. Obviously, I’m ready to build on a relationship with him and create a rapport with him. So, just super excited.”

The Giants will return to East Rutherford when their offseason program begins on Monday, April 17.

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Giants select TE Dalton Kincaid in latest Lance Zierlein mock draft

In the latest mock draft from NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein, the New York Giants select Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid.

In the latest mock draft from NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein, the New York Giants select Dalton Kincaid, a tight end out of Utah.

This could be a fairly easy call, as Kincaid’s sticky hands and high-volume capability allow the Giants to mix up their “11” and “12” personnel groupings more frequently.

Big Blue recently retained their two star offensive players, Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones. With those two leading the way, New York was able to win their first playoff game in a decade and came only one game short of the conference finals. Now, the next step is to surround these two young players with playmakers to help them succeed.

The 2023 NFL draft will play a big part in making this happen in the near future. Big Blue was deprived of receiving talent, especially from the tight end position with only rookie fourth-round pick Daniel Bellinger making any plays from that position.

Getting a guy like Kincaid, who can block and create a matchup nightmare for defenses, would help the Giants run the desired 12 personnel that fits Jones, Barkley, and this offense.

Kincaid has been a touchdown machine in college, recording four seasons of 8-plus touchdowns and two seasons of 800-plus yards. A red zone threat like this is exactly what an emerging quarterback like Jones needs.

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CBS Sports ranks Giants’ 2022 draft class in bottom half of NFL

CBS Sports recently ranked the New York Giants’ 2022 NFL draft class in the bottom half of the league largely due to injuries.

The New York Giants and general manager Joe Schoen made 11 picks in the 2022 NFL draft knowing that all of those players would likely see significant roles.

Unfortunately for Schoen & Co., they got bit by the notorious East Rutherford injury bug. 10 of the 11 draftees missed time due to injury with five of them closing out the season on IR.

Linebacker Micah McFadden was the only rookie to see action in all 17 games.

Despite those issues, there was some notable upside. Edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux appears to be lightyears ahead of where most rookies are, while offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu and tight end Daniel Bellinger showed enough to be optimistic about their future.

Wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson was also flashing before he went down with a torn ACL.

But because of all those injuries, it was hard to properly grade the Giants’ rookie class. And that ultimately led Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports to rank them in the bottom half of the NFL.

Thibodeaux hit the ground running after an injury delayed the start to his pro career. Bellinger, who many thought was a project, caught 30 passes in Year 1. (Cor’Dale) Flott was a part-time cornerback and chipped in with two pass breakups and a big one in the playoff win.

Over time, Schoen’s first draft class will likely look much better. They need right tackle Evan Neal to have an Andrew Thomas-like rebound and for the others to stay healthy. If that happens, there’s quite a bit of meat on the bone.

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Travis Kelce: Giants’ Daniel Bellinger is an ‘awesome athlete’

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce offered some high praise for New York Giants TE Daniel Bellinger this week, calling him an “awesome athlete.”

Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs doesn’t see himself in any other tight ends around the league. And why would he? After all, Kecle is a generational talent and modern superstar.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some tight ends in the NFL who could develop into something special.

Asked about the NFL’s young crop of tight ends during Super Bowl week, Kelce said he’s excited to see how several develop. Among them? New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger.

“There are a few great tight ends out there,” Kecle said, via NJ Advance Media. “I don’t know if there are any that remind me of myself, but there are a few guys I’m excited about. Kyle Pitts (of the Atlanta Falcons) being one of them. (Jake) Ferguson down in Dallas and (Daniel) Bellinger over in New York. I’m excited to see how these guys manifest over the next few years and we’ll see where they can take their game.”

That’s a rather impressive unprompted shout-out for Bellinger, and it did not go unnoticed.

“That’s awesome,” Bellinger told NJ Advance Media in a text. “I love learning from Kelce and that’s a big compliment.”

Prior to the start of the 2022 regular season, Bellinger, a fourth-round rookie, spent time with Kecle at the famed “Tight End University.” He clearly showed something that caught Kecle’s eye.

“He’s just an awesome athlete,” Kecle said of Bellinger. “He seems like he has that professional drive to be the greatest tight end that he can be. That’s what I saw from him at Tight End U. He was trying to be his greatest self every single day. I could see his determination and his focus and those are the kinds of traits that give you a chance to be great, especially when you have a guy like Mike Kafka up there in New York.”

Bellinger flashed at times this past season, hauling in 30 receptions for 268 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games. He missed time after suffering a serious eye injury, which limited his production a bit.

While the Giants could use another tight end, that’s not an indictment on Bellinger, who is both a solid receiver and blocker.

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