The New York Giants addressed all of their major needs in the 2022 NFL Draft. With their first two picks, the Giants addressed their two biggest needs in offensive tackle and pass-rusher. But in the middle and late rounds of the draft, the Giants were strategic with their draft picks. One position that the Giants needed to gain talent at was tight end. The Giants might have found their starting tight end for the upcoming 2022 season in fourth-round pick Daniel Bellinger.
Why Daniel Bellinger could start for the Giants
The Giants drafted tight end Daniel Bellinger with the 112th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. This was the fourth-round pick that the Giants received in their 2021 trade-down with the Chicago Bears. The Giants selected the San Diego State tight end with this pick, potentially yielding a starter in the fourth round.
Daniel Bellinger could be the Giants’ starting tight end this season. The San Diego State product is as sure-handed as they come and appears to be a perfect fit in Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka’s offensive scheme. Bellinger was utilized a lot on screens and short passes during his collegiate career. Over in Kansas City, Mike Kafka and the Chiefs turned Travis Kelce into one of the NFL’s best tight ends using him in a similar fashion to the way San Diego State used Daniel Bellinger.
Bellinger averaged 14.5 yards after the catch per reception, which ranked first of the prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft class (PFF). Daniel Bellinger is also a willing blocker and a secure catcher. He had 0 dropped passes in the 2021 season to go along with a 4.2% drop rate for his entire collegiate career.
Daniel Bellinger is an athletic tight end with a well-rounded skillset. He is 6-foot-6, 225 pounds, and moves quickly with the ball in his hands. Bellinger racked up 31 receptions for 357 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2021. The Giants needed to find themselves a new tight end, and it seems like Joe Schoen delivered with the draft pick of Daniel Bellinger in round four.