Darren Waller’s retirement puts much pressure on the remaining tight ends on the New York Giants to fill his shoes admirably in 2024.
According to Braulio Perez of GMENHQ, Giants TE Daniel Bellinger is not shying away from that challenge. The third-year pro is up for grinding this offseason to reach new heights on the upcoming campaign. Part in parcel with that grind is his attendance at Tight End University — an event held by Kansas City Chiefs champion Travis Kelce, San Francisco 49ers star TE George Kittle and retired great Greg Olsen.
Tight End University can help Giants TE Daniel Bellinger improve on peripherals from 2023
Tight End University was created in 2021 by the three standards at the position, to bring fellow TEs together for a three-day program involving film study, on-field drills, recovery, and more, as their official statement reveals. With the inclusion of legends present at camp, TEU serves as a prime opportunity for tight ends to learn from the best to do it.
Bellinger and Giants fourth-round pick Theo Johnson will compete for time at the position in 2024. Last year, Bellinger corraled 25 receptions for 255 receiving yards. He also sported a whopping 89.3 percent catch percentage. He’ll aim to have that carry-over and then some as the starter on the upcoming campaign.
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Bellinger will be big on first & third-down looks in 2024
He has the tools to be an effective bail-out option on third-down opportunities and a prime look on first down next season. An area improvement for Bellinger will be red zone productivity. He failed to catch a touchdown in 2023 and only has two for his career.
The San Diego State product is listed as the TE1 heading into next year. Though he’ll have Johnson nipping at his heels, as well as Jack Stoll and Chris Manhertz further down in the depth chart, the starting gig is his to lose. Learning from three greats in Kelce, Kittle, and Olsen will not only give him a nuanced perspective that he can apply on a full scale to his repertoire, in hopes of seeing it translate starting in Week 1.